Six nominees for Pride of Banbridge

BANBRIDGE Leader readers have spoken, and nominated the six people you feel have made Banbridge most proud in the past year.

Among them are a fallen war hero, two tireless charity workers and a St John Ambulance volunteer. Now you can vote for the contender you think to be the most worthy recipient of the inaugural Pride of Banbridge award.

Those nominated for the award are (01) Gillian McFadden, of The Doghouse Sanctuary; (02) Christine McCormick who volunteers with St John Ambulance; (03) Drew Gregg who has been described as a “champion of the Banbridge area”; (04) Kenny McCahon, ex-chairman of Macmillan Cancer Support; (05) Stephen McKee who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving with the RIR in Afghanistan last year; (06) Kelly McClimond for her ongoing fundraising work for Macmillan.

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In nominating his wife for an award, Paul McCormick said, “She gives up most of her free time to St John Ambulance and the town’s events over the years and I think she needs a wee thanks from the town for what she does.”

A woman who rang the Leader to nominate Gillian McFadden said she has done tremendous work for animals in the area. “The charity’s no kill policy has saved countless dogs over the years,” she said.

Meanwhile Kelly McClimond, a nominee herself, feels Kenny McCahon is a very worthy recipient. She said, “If it wasn’t for him Banbridge District would not have available funds for people suffering from Cancer.”

John McBride said he feels Kelly deserves the award for her work throughout the years.

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“I would like to nominate Kelly McClimond. She works tirelessly to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer support and even though she has been through a lot over the years she always stays positive and is the life and soul of any room she walks into.

“She really is an inspiration at times and always goes out of her way to help anyone that needs it. She truly is one of a kind and I am proud to call her a friend.”

Drew Gregg’s work in organising the car show last summer was the main reason behind his nomination. “Drew worked tirelessly on the Banbridge car show and raised a substantial amount for Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke, while also bringing tourism and national attention to Banbridge,” said Carla Smyth. “He is a great champion of Banbridge and and its local businesses.”

On hearing that his brother Stephen, a soldier with the RIR who died in Afghanistan in March 2011, had been nominated Robert McKee expressed his gratitude to those who put his name forward.

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“This just shows how much people appreciate what the soldiers are doing out there, and what Stephen did,” said Robert.

If you want to vote for one of the six nominees simply text DRL(space) PRIDE(space) followed by the two-digit number of your choice from the list of nominees printed and send to 61500 (eg DRL PRIDE 01 then send to 61500).

Texts cost 25p plus your standard network rates. Remember you can vote as often as you like.

Rules and terms & conditions: Texts cost 25p plus your standard network rate. Voting closes midnight Sunday 22nd January 2012. Please note if you should enter after the stated closing deadline your entry will not be valid but you still may be charged. The winner of each category will be the nominee which receives the greatest number of votes by both text and post. For quality and training purposes we may monitor communications. SMS services are provided by Velti DR Ltd SE1 8ND – 02076335000. By supplying your telephone number you’re happy to receive SMS messages from Johnston Press and its approved business partners. Johnston Press (or via its agents) and its business partners may contact you about new promotions, products and services. Please add the word EXIT at the end of your message if you do not wish to receive these.

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