Unsung heroes are given their time to shine at glittering awards night

Finalists, celebrities and 300 special guests were invited to Preston’s North End’s Invincibles Lounge for the Rock FM Cash for Kids event, now in its second year.

Breakfast presenter Darryl Morris hosted the evening and was joined by award presenters from Rock FM, Rock FM 3, Kay Purcell star of children’s TV, the Mayor of Preston, Margaret McManus, and Brian Finney, who presented the Sir Tom Finney award in honour of his father.

Big winners on the night included Evie Ball, from Ashton, who has cerebral palsy, and is swimming every week to cover the distance of the English Channel, and her sister Ellie Ball who skydived on her 16th birthday to raise money to help other children.

Jacob Gray, from Poulton, was presented the Sir Tom Finney award.

Jacob contracted meningitis at age 21 and was given a 10% chance to live. Jacob made the brave decision to have his legs amputated so that he could focus on getting on with his life. He is now an ambassador for meningitis charities.

Fundraiser of the Year went to Bobby Heaps and The Gamull Pub team who have raised more than £18,000 for charity through various fund-raisers.

And Janet Walker presented Anne Markland with the Teacher of the Year award.

Entertainment on the evening was provided by young Lancashire talent from Preston’s College and Purcell’s Drama Academy.

Charity manager for Rock FM Nikki Thompson said: “It was a truly special evening celebrating the amazing people of Lancashire.

“Thank you to the wonderful Mel and John from Add a Little Sparkle for their beautiful room dressing and Ryan from Shuttersnap Fotography for the beautiful images of the night.

“It was a truly inspiring and magical night , thank you to Freeport Fleetwood, The Villa at North End, Team Starkidz, Be Brave Bears and Scruff Balloons for their continued support and for giving these special people their ‘Time to Shine’”