GOLD medallist Claire Cashmore is to be the keynote speaker at the Redditch No Barriers Awards 2017.
The Paralympian, who won gold and silver at the Rio Olympics, will be joined by a host of well-wishers and supporters as the town celebrates those who go the extra mile for people with disabilities in Redditch.
Nominations are now open for the awards in three categories – an individual person, a business, or a community group – but what they should all have in common is their ability to do that little bit more to make people welcome, no matter what.
“The awards are for people or organisations that go out of their way to help disabled people and who promote disability rights in Redditch,” said Councillor Natalie Brookes.
“It’s for people who are not usually recognised for what they do, it’s more about ability rather than disability and it’s something Redditch should be proud of.”
Councillor Anita Clayton, herself a mobility scooter user, has long been an advocate of the awards – taking place this year on Friday April 7th at the Town Hall.
She said: “We’re really hopeful it will be as successful as last year’s event.
“We’re really looking for people or organisations that go the extra mile but, until now, don’t get any recognition for it. It’s a celebration of how together we can all get on and make a difference.”
Claire Cashmore, who was born in Redditch, won gold in the 4×100 medley and silver in the 100m breaststroke. She was also the first recipient of Worcestershire prestigious Black Pear Award.
Nomination forms for the No Barriers Awards 2017 are available from the offices of the Redditch Standard in Church Green East, or call/text 07737 317493, or email [email protected]
Alternatively you can vote online at www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/NoBarriersAwards2017.
The event is backed by the Kingfisher Shopping Centre and Redditch borough council and the closing date is Friday, March 3 at 4pm.
For more information visit the facebook page redditchnobarrriersawards.
