THE tremendous determination of a disabled former servicewoman was recognised posthumously during a moving ceremony at this year’s Teesdale Mercury Community Pride Awards.
The awards, held at The Witham, in Barnard Castle, served to recognise the dale’s unsung heroes in fields such as volunteering, sport, arts and charity fundraising.
The award for Inspirational Person of the Year went to Invictus Games double-gold medallist Anna Kelton, who died suddenly in August last year.
In naming the award Cllr Joy Allen, from Durham County Council, told of how Ms Kelton had been injured during a training exercise with the Royal Marines, leaving her with a conversion disorder that ultimately confined her to a wheelchair.
It was while undergoing treatment for her condition that she was selected to represent Team UK during the Invictus Games.
Cllr Allen said: “Despite her strength, the effects of Anna’s injury worsened in the months following the games and she became wheelchair bound.
“However, her determination remained and she devoted much of her time to supporting good causes including Help for Heroes, Sporting Force, A Smile for a Child and Barnard Castle charity The Clique. Her bravery and determination brought her to the attention of Prince Harry, who described her as personifying all that the Invictus Games stands for.”
The award was accepted by Ms Kelton’s fiancé James Croxford.
Guest speaker on the night was Alan Hinkes, the first, and only, British mountaineer to summit all 14 of the world’s mountains that are higher than 8,000 metres.
He spoke about his adventures and highlighted the dangers associated with climbing that had resulted in many mountaineers perishing in their attempt to scale the 14 iconic mountains.
He added that it had taken him 27 attempts over 15 years to achieve the feat.
Mr Hinkes said: “I do think I am lucky to be alive. No mountain is worth a life and coming back is a success.”
Quoting from mountaineer Edward Whymper, he added: “Climb if you will, but remember that courage and strength are nought without prudence, and that a momentary negligence may destroy the happiness of a lifetime. Do nothing in haste; look well to each step; and from the beginning think what may be the end.”
Trevor Brookes, editor of the Teesdale Mercury, read out the citations of the award finalists.
Earlier he welcomed guests and said: “We are here to brighten a winter’s evening by putting the spotlight on some of the unsung heroes in our community – their good deeds, kindness and determination.
“Teesdale has a wealth of people making a real difference to the communities around them.”
And the winners were
Charity fundraiser of the year: Sara and Phil Metcalfe
Public service award: Ian Kirkbride
Contribution to sport: Pat Estall
Young achievement: Emily Gibson
Good neighbour award: Warm Age Knitters
Volunteer of the year: Teesdale Day Clubs
Contribution to the arts: Gainford Drama Group
Photographer of the year: Howard Pearson
Community project of the year: Barnard Castle Dementia Friendly Group
School of the year: Bowes Hutchinson’s Primary
Teesdale Mercury Special Award: Anna Kelton
