“I’M bowled over by it all – it’s just fantastic” That was the verdict of Councillor Anita Clayton as Redditch once again celebrated its No Barriers Awards.
The event, the biggest yet in the seven-year history of the awards, was held in Redditch Town Hall and saw a total of 20 winners, entertainment from the incredible ‘It’s a Sign’ choir and a moving and stirring speech from former West Indies Test cricketer Winston Davis.
“People cannot believe they were nominated – they didn’t realise that the little things they do to help people with disabilities in Redditch go such a long way to making their lives and the lives of their carers so much easier,” said Coun Clayton (Con, Batchley & Brockhill), who organised the awards with council officer Emily Payne.
Created by the borough’s former Labour council leader Betty Passingham, the awards aim to celebrate those businesses, organisations and individuals that go that one step further to make life better for the borough’s less able citizens, people whom the Mayor, Coun Pattie Hill, said were ‘special’.
Addressing the audience she said: “I thoroughly enjoy working with people who are special, and one thing I have learnt is that this town is amazing and I think all of you are an absolute credit to this town.”
Former cricketer Winston Davis, who was left a tetraplegic in 1998 after an accident, fought back tears as he said: “I thank God for those people who have received awards today.
“I would not wish my life on anyone but you cannot imagine how little things can make such a big difference to someone with a disability.
“When I was injured I thought my life had come to an end because I was so ignorant as a well person, I never thought how people with a disability got up, how they managed, what they did, and now it is my heart’s desire to help organisations for the disabled as much as I can.”
One of the winners, Tony Taylor of Muffin Break, said: “Winning this award is an honour and it’s for all the staff because helping people is our business.”
