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00:00Country heroes outside the Molyneux and we're with, who do you represent guys?
00:04Go on! Water, Water, West, West!
00:07So, are you up for an award then?
00:10We are, community...
00:13Do you know how you've done it yet?
00:16I think so, just to be a finalist is a mere accomplishment isn't it?
00:22So you're going to have a good night?
00:24Yeah!
00:25Well we wish you all the best, we'll let you get in and get your champagne on ice just in case.
00:30So we have legends playing out there on the pitch but tonight it's all about the legends inside.
00:35And we've got a legend here with us. Hello madam, what's your name?
00:38Wendy Barnett.
00:39So Wendy, you're here with your family, he's your lad with us, Andrew.
00:43And the gentleman on the pitch, who have we got there?
00:47That's Kevin Mark.
00:49And that was your husband, he passed away two months tonight.
00:52So just fill us in first off what you're nominated for here tonight.
00:56So I've been nominated because I run, well I started the Parkinson's exercise group because I got diagnosed in 2018.
01:03Yeah.
01:04I left my job as a senior nurse manager and saved it up.
01:08Where were you working as a senior nurse manager?
01:10Oh, well okay.
01:12And I set it up myself with some of my retirement money.
01:16Yeah.
01:17And then we set up a support group as well which has been running for about two years.
01:20The class itself has been running for seven years.
01:23Wow.
01:24You're off for a bit of some special treatment, aren't you?
01:27Is it Bristol soon?
01:29Yeah.
01:30Yeah.
01:31Which will give me another ten years as I am now.
01:34And he was, your husband, your late husband, he was diagnosed with cancer wasn't he?
01:39That's right.
01:40In seven weeks.
01:41Yeah, he only got seven weeks.
01:42But he was a big inspiration to you?
01:44Yeah, absolutely.
01:45He encouraged me when I, I was devastated when I got the diabetes.
01:48Yeah.
01:49And he said, come on you can do this.
01:51And he's helped me set it all up.
01:54Yeah.
01:55Where we are now.
01:56Yeah.
01:57So no matter what happens, winning an award or not, you know, I mean obviously, what you're
02:01doing is amazing.
02:02Yeah.
02:03You know, good without saying.
02:04I love it.
02:05Absolutely love it.
02:06And thanks in part to this gentleman who's healthy no longer with us.
02:08Yeah.
02:09He clubs now in just three years, he's become a 37 time counter champion, a nine time West
02:16Millions regional champion and the West Millions open water champion.
02:20He's.
02:21To stand up in front of your peers at school is such a brave thing to do.
02:27How did you feel once you've done that?
02:29Very relieved.
02:31Would you do it again?
02:33Yeah.
02:34Honestly, amazing.
02:35And Finley, honestly for you to come through what you've been through as well, life
02:38threatening as well.
02:39How do you feel to be here tonight?
02:41Well, to be honest, it's not thanks to my mum in general and my school.
02:45They've done so much for me to help get through it all.
02:59At the age of just five years old when she saw a homeless person and wanted to buy
03:04him a house.
03:05The moment was sparked on a mission then to support those in need.
03:09Emily has raised hundreds of plans for charities, including Prostate Cancer UK, Birmingham Children's
03:15Hospital, The Haven's Women's Refuge and the all-stars youth clubs for SEN children and
03:22young adults too.
03:23She has helped organise discos, karaoke nights and a major community fundraiser at The Cabin
03:28Pub.
03:29Always kind, creative and full of energy.
03:31Emily is a true role model.
03:33Proving that no one is too young to make a difference.
03:36A round of applause first of all for Emily, everybody.
03:39To autistic adults who face barriers accessing community spaces, services and also relationships
03:46too.
03:47At the heart of this service are five incredible volunteers.
03:50There's Marlene, Pete, Dave, Faye and also Heather whose kindness and dedication and lived experience
03:57make it a profound difference.
03:59Whether supporting group activities, offering carbon understanding or maybe helping members
04:04build confidence along with friendships, those volunteers all go above and beyond.
04:09Some have even been with the service for over nine years now and others have personal connections
04:14connections, sorry, to autism.
04:17Bringing empathy and insights to every session.
04:20Together with staff, they run several groups across Walsall, helping reduce isolation and
04:25improve work.
04:26Come over here, Henry.
04:28Henry, an amazing set of people but the work you do is just amazing as well.
04:33How proud do you feel tonight?
04:34I couldn't be prouder.
04:35We're a small service, we have a huge amount of funding, so the people of Walsall, the brilliant
04:40volunteers make it happen, so I'm just so proud to you.
04:43Where can we find out more if you want to get involved in this?
04:45Because obviously you're after volunteers all the time.
04:47If you look on Autism West Midlands website, you'll be able to get in touch with us.
04:51Mental health spans nearly three decades of Christian's life, literally since qualifying
04:57as a drama therapist back in 1996.
05:01Christian has supported disadvantaged children, young people and adults right across the country.
05:06In 2014, he actually founded the Arts of Change and has led into a national and international
05:13acclaim, earning awards launching innovative projects and transforming lives.
05:18From pioneering therapy initiatives like the Lillipad counselling project, the Creative Orchard
05:24project, to actually securing over £800,000 in natural and luxury for the Christian
05:31who's raised by the Pathways.
05:33And those names are actually required services.
05:36And that's why it's actually an adequate place.
05:38And this can provide free life-changing towards the cost in the colour of a group.
05:43In 2025, the Christian was awarded the King's Royal Compound Medal for his transformative
05:50income.
05:51Congratulations.
05:52Hello Ian.
05:53Let's get a photograph.
05:54I could see by the look on your face walking over.
05:56It was like a total surprise.
05:57Yeah.
05:58God.
05:59It's just surreal.
06:00But I should thank the team that I support.
06:05Because they should be here really.
06:07So I feel a bit like an imposter.
06:09But thank you.
06:11That was a pleasure.
06:12Let's go.
06:13Let's go.
06:14Let's go.
06:15Let's go.
06:16Let's go.
06:17Let's go.
06:18Let's go.
06:19Let's go.
06:20Let's go.
06:21Just overwhelming.
06:22I'm just bereft of words really.
06:24Yes, you saw, just then picking up the award.
06:27I wasn't expecting that.
06:28The other categories were just outstanding.
06:30So I was just listening to them, and all their achievements.
06:35And yeah, this is amazing.
06:37I've got to say, you've got a great suit.
06:39It looks so good.
06:41Lovely.
06:43I mean, you're also a BM.
06:46you've attended a Royal Garden party
06:48so you've been recognised before
06:50but it must be nice for this
06:52tonight
06:53and well deserved as well
06:55but you mentioned there about your colleagues
06:57and the people you work with
06:58absolutely, I wouldn't be standing here without them
07:01and the clients that we've supported
07:03over the years now
07:04there's a lot more to do
07:06the work's only just begun really
07:10congratulations, take a break
07:12and enjoy the year
07:13the winner is the Royal Warburhampton NHS Trust
07:18Charity and College
07:19let's have a give Martin a round of applause
07:38tonight because
07:38obviously we know the company
07:41but these ladies do the whole team with you
07:43through amazing work day and day out
07:45yes absolutely
07:48but it's actually my greatest pleasure
07:51to be amongst all of you this evening
07:53because what it's actually first
07:56is the care, compassion and support
08:00that's happening in our local community
08:02and this event actually shines a light on it
08:06exciting for our next one everybody
08:08because all of those individuals
08:11are truly inspiring
08:12going above and beyond
08:13so please welcome to the stage
08:15the winner of the volunteer year of the war
08:17it is Heather Leatherland everybody
08:20sorry I'm calling you Helen
08:33it's Helen sorry
08:34right now
08:35right now
08:35Helen
08:36first of all
08:37you are an amazing lady
08:40and I've got to say
08:42you've inspired me tonight
08:43I think you've probably inspired
08:44everybody else in this room tonight
08:45how do you feel about helping others?
08:47well it's been a privilege over the last 10 years
08:51to support Black Country Women's Aid
08:54and to help the ladies and children
08:57that come into refuge
08:59sometimes with absolutely nothing
09:02in the middle of the night
09:05from all parts of the country
09:09and without volunteers
09:12they wouldn't survive for donations
09:15we need toiletries
09:17always need toiletries
09:19things like that
09:21and when they want to start
09:23to move into their own property
09:26they need bedding
09:28everything
09:29because they've got nothing
09:30and it's been my privilege to help us
09:33so Helen congratulations
09:34volunteer of the year
09:35in the Black Country Heroes Award
09:38how does it feel
09:39you're quite emotional
09:40aren't you?
09:41very
09:41yes
09:42I never in a million years
09:44expected this
09:45I've done it because I've loved it
09:48I love the people
09:50that I support
09:51in the fundraising team
09:53and it's just been a privilege
09:55to help these ladies
09:58and you've just had a special birthday
10:00haven't you?
10:00I have indeed
10:01I think
10:02shouldn't ask
10:03don't put that in the paper
10:05but the work continues
10:08as you said
10:09on the stage
10:10donations needed
10:11for the people
10:12the ladies who come
10:14through your doors
10:15always
10:15toiletries
10:16everything
10:18and it's not just that
10:22it's sometimes
10:23when they want to progress
10:25to things like
10:26sewing groups
10:27being able
10:29I've put an appeal out
10:31and got ten sewing machines
10:32in a week
10:33you know
10:34things like that
10:35good girl
10:36now
10:36she has an exceptional vision
10:38tenacity and a heart
10:40in rescuing
10:40a forgotten masterpiece
10:42of black country heritage
10:43after decades
10:44of failed attempts
10:45they've secured
10:46a vital funding project
10:48to restore
10:48the Churchill screen
10:50a 12 metre
10:51glass artwork
10:52shattered
10:53by vandals
10:54back in 1984
10:55and unseen
10:56by the public
10:57for over 33 years
10:58working alone
10:59under immense pressure
11:00and with just two days
11:02to submit
11:03the grant application
11:04securing £25,000
11:06from the Victory 80 Fund
11:08their efforts
11:10have reunited
11:11public interest
11:12and inspired
11:12national media coverage
11:13and launched
11:14a programme
11:15of community events
11:16and education
11:17this is more
11:18than a fundraising success
11:20it's a triumph
11:21of passion
11:22over adversity
11:23breathing new life
11:24into Dudley's
11:25cultural legacy
11:26and uniting generations
11:28through our memory
11:29and pride
11:30so
11:30can we give
11:31Alexander please
11:32a round of applause
11:32everybody
11:33a round of applause
11:35do you mind me asking
11:37how old you are?
11:3821
11:3921
11:40so
11:41the piece that you've done
11:42you've helped resurrect
11:43is actually older than you
11:44it was
11:47it was created in 1967
11:49the piece
11:49so it's older than you
11:50it's older than me
11:51ok
11:51so
11:52what inspired you
11:53to actually bring it back to life
11:54and so everybody else can enjoy it
11:55um
11:56I mean we haven't managed to do it
12:03there's 17 panels
12:05and we've got one of the panels
12:06complete
12:07it's the largest
12:07aplique glass sculpture
12:09ever created
12:10and we've got a metre and a half
12:12by a metre and a half
12:13panel restored
12:14and we're going to do an exhibition
12:15we still need to restore
12:16the other 16 panels
12:17so now it's a good platform
12:19to say
12:19if you've got
12:20£450,000
12:21no name's Estourbridge Glass Museum
12:25please
12:26is that obviously the Red Cone?
12:27yes
12:28yes
12:28but
12:29make a day of it
12:30do the Red Cone first
12:32then the Estourbridge Glass Museum
12:33then have lunch at the Raskin Centre
12:35and give us all the good review
12:37on TripAdvisor
12:37and put your £10,000 in the book
12:40here as well
12:40yeah
12:41£10,000 in the book
12:42if you're doing well
12:42thank you
12:44well done mate
12:45well done mate
12:45well done
12:45thank you
12:46thank you
12:46good luck
12:47good luck
12:47good luck
12:48ok
12:48first up
12:49our first nomination
12:51is for two visionary artists
12:53whose work has redefined sustainability
12:55in the glass industry
12:57the founders of the UK's
12:59first all-electric glass studio
13:01this duo
13:02has dramatically reduced carbon emissions
13:04whilst maintaining exceptional artist standards
13:07proving that innovation
13:08and environmental responsibility
13:10can go hand in hand
13:11their studio operates
13:13on a zero waste principle
13:14and their community outreach
13:16is just as impactful
13:17now from Recycle Driftwood
13:19there's also workshops there
13:21with local children
13:22in public talks
13:23and collaborations
13:24they've made sustainability joyful
13:26creative
13:27and also accessible too
13:29their efforts have inspired industry peers
13:31educators
13:32and the wider public
13:33turning a technical achievement
13:35into a movement
13:37they are nominated
13:38for their pioneering spirit
13:40community engagement
13:41and unwavering commitment
13:42to the planet
13:43so everybody
13:44please for Alistair
13:45thank you so much for sharing your experience
13:50thank you
13:50can I
13:51can I
13:51everyone
13:52sure I appreciate
13:53the speaking
13:54thank you
13:55also
14:00Marie
14:01who's
14:02actually organised
14:02the whole event
14:03so
14:03thank you
14:04thank you
14:05right
14:06it's going to give me
14:11great pleasure
14:11to read this
14:12out. Tonight we pause to honour a legacy, a legacy not built in months or years but over
14:19decades, more than half a century of unwavering dedication and in one case over 70 years of
14:26service to the YMCA in the black country. It all began in 1953 when a young man walked
14:35through the doors of West Bromwich and District YMCA seeking fellowship and community. Within
14:41weeks his commitment was clear, stepping into the role of treasurer while still studying
14:46accountancy. That moment marked the beginning of a lifelong journey of voluntary service that
14:53continues to this day. From securing a new site at Carters Green in the mid-60s to leading
14:59its transformation into a thriving hub of activity and accommodation, this individual helped shape
15:06the very foundations of what is now the flagship building of YMCA Black Country Group. Under his
15:13leadership, the organisation broke new ground, becoming the first YMCA in the UK to offer accommodation
15:19to women. But this story isn't his alone. At Church Youth Group he met someone who would
15:25not only become his life partner but also a driving force in the YMCA's evolution. Inspired by his
15:33example she joined the movement in 1968 and championed the inclusion of female members, forming a group
15:40that would go on to provide food parcels, bibles and hope to those in need. Together they've
15:48chaired committees, built partnerships and navigated challenges, all while raising a family and leading
15:54a successful multinational business. Their energy, wisdom and generosity have shaped the lives of
16:01countless individuals across the Black Country. Their impact is immeasurable, their legacy undeniable.
16:08And tonight we celebrate it. The winner of the Special Recognition Award is Eric and Brenda Moore of the YMCA Black Country Group.
16:17What you've done is incredible. You know, all of us throughout our lives do things. Sometimes we have to do it because we have to do it. Some people do it because they need to do it.
16:24Some people do things because they want to do it. But some people do things because they want to do it. And you two have wanted to do this for 70 years. That's a long time, Brenda.
16:31No, it is. How do you feel?
16:38I don't know where the years have gone. I don't know. We don't do as much now as we did, obviously. We can't get to meetings and all sorts of things.
16:45But we still keep an interest. And our friends are here with us to support us.
16:52Well, I think what I love is that we have to do is that we can't get to meetings and all sorts of things, but we still keep an interest and our friends are here with us to support us.
17:00Well, I think what I love is the fact that you're both here together and I consider the look between you and the support for each other as well. It just comes to your eyes and your face and it's just incredible. How are you feeling tonight in one of the gifts award?
17:25Well, flattered. It's been one of the loves of our lives, but we don't do anything individually. It's all about teamwork. It's teams. The one thing that I do congratulate myself is that I invented the YMCA Black Country Group, which included Wolverhampton for the first time.
17:55All those people who've helped over 70 years, countless people, but you must go to sleep at night with a big smile on your face.
18:10Well, I hope so.
18:12Well, I've got to say to both of you, there is a one, two, three, kit!
18:16The next one, one, two, three, kit!
18:18The next one, one, two, three, kit!
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