COMMUNITY heroes have been recognised for their contribution to Holmes Chapel during 2018.

Freya Lewis, Adam Withnell, Dee Drake and Dorothy Davidson received Dane Sound Community Radio’s Hero Awards.

The Young Hero Award, sponsored by Holmes Gifts and Interiors, was awarded to Freya Lewis, who continues to fundraise for the hospital and staff who supported her following the Manchester Arena bombing in May 2017.

A Dane Radio spokesman said: “She has raised a staggering £60,000, and has never stopped smiling after such unimaginable heartbreak and pain along her road to recovery.

“She has also won The Amplifon Awards for Brave Britons 2018 - Young Hero category and the NHS Young Fundraiser Award. Freya is such an inspiration to all our community.”

The Hero Award, sponsored by Neon Freight Ltd, went to Adam Withnell.

The spokesman said: “Adam is the popular pre-school class lead coach at Holmes Chapel Hurricanes Soccer School.

“He works tirelessly to help and develop the football stars of tomorrow with his patience, enthusiasm, encouragement and developing the youngsters in team sports.

“The Heroes Award for Outstanding Contribution to a group or charity, sponsored by Costa Coffee in Holmes Chapel, was awarded to Dee Drake from The Toy Appeal.

“Created in 2013, The Toy Appeal provides toy sacks for children who would not normally receive a present at Christmas.

“The charity has grown considerably, and in 2018 provided 3,500 children with Christmas toy sacks.

“There are more than 250 volunteers helping to collect, pack, organise and distribute the sacks to disadvantaged children in Cheshire and the north west.”

The Community Heroes Award - The People’s Choice, nominated and voted on by residents and sponsored by Phil Davies Quality Butchers, was awarded to Dorothy Davidson, who for many years has volunteered with many of the village organisations.

The spokesman added: “Dorothy helped set up the Memory Café and has been at the forefront in making Holmes Chapel a dementia-friendly village.

“As part of the Holmes Chapel Partnership she leads the organisation of the Christmas markets plus many more initiatives and is recognised for working tirelessly to help and assist wherever possible.

“We would like to congratulate all our well-deserved winners and thank our community for taking part in the awards.”