Your Harrogate and Harrogate Town Football Club and Community Foundation teamed up for a launch event last week ahead of the Local Hero Awards 2026.
The event, held on Thursday 22nd January at Rudding Park Hotel, brought together category sponsors alongside a number of previous award winners, marking the start of the 2026 awards programme.
O’Connor Chiropractic, run by Jason and Debbie O’Connor, have been confirmed as the main sponsor, continuing their long-standing support of the awards.
Among those in attendance on the night were former Police Constable Paul Cording, winner of the Emergency Services Award; Police Constable Pierre Olesqui, Charity Fundraiser of the Year; and Susan Vasey, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Also attending was Lauren Doherty, who won the Bravery Award at the Stray FM Local Hero Awards in 2017 and now sponsors one of the award categories.
Previous winners celebrate their Local Hero Awards success.
Lauren has continued her involvement with the awards after establishing her own charity, Road Safety Talks, following a life-changing accident in 2008 which left her paralysed.
Through her work, she has delivered road safety education to more than 10,000 children and adults and has received multiple honours, including a British Empire Medal for services to education in the late Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2021.
Recently retired Sergeant Paul Cording BEM was recognised during the evening for his ongoing contribution to policing and charity work. He has received several awards over the years, including a British Empire Medal in the King’s Birthday Honours in 2023 for services to policing and charity.
Sergeant Pierre Olesqui was also highlighted for his fundraising efforts, having raised more than £100,000 for mental health charities and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance following the death of his friend and colleague Mick Atkinson in 2018.
The O'Connor Chiropractic team, who will return as Local Hero Awards main sponsors.
Lifetime Achievement Award winner Sue Vasey was acknowledged for her long-standing work as a community champion. Her projects have included efforts to save three community assets under threat, including the Chain Lane Community Hub and Hookstone Woods.
Sarah Barry, Chief Executive of Harrogate Town and Trustee of Harrogate Town Community Foundation, said:
“These prestigious awards will honour our area’s most inspiring individuals and organisations.
“Our values and purpose are already aligned with local people and community togetherness at the heart of everything we do, so it’s a fantastic privilege to be able to join forces to deliver what will be the most spectacular celebration event.”
Nominations for the Local Hero Awards 2026 open on Monday 2nd February and close on 22nd March.
Judging will take place on 24th and 25th March, with the awards ceremony scheduled for Friday 8th May.
Adam Daniel, Managing Director of Your Harrogate, said:
“The Local Hero Awards have become a highlight for so many, and 2026 is shaping up to be our biggest and most meaningful celebration yet.
“We can’t wait to share the stories of the remarkable people who make this area what it is.”
Award and co-sponsors for the 2026 Local Hero Awards are Barclay LED Solutions; David Lloyd Club Harrogate; Divert Waste Management; Envirovent Harrogate; Haddletons Solicitors; Harrogate BID; Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce; Harrogate Neighbours; Harrogate Theatre; Lauren Doherty Road Safety Talks; LWC Drinks; Oak by Design; The Turkish Baths Harrogate; Verity Frearson Estate Agents Harrogate; and the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.
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