Doncaster's unsung heroes recognised at glittering awards ceremony

Unsung heroes took their place in the limelight at a special awards evening to celebrate those who go the extra mile in their communities.
Legacy Church at the Recogination Day Awards at the Mansion House. Picture: Andrew RoeLegacy Church at the Recogination Day Awards at the Mansion House. Picture: Andrew Roe
Legacy Church at the Recogination Day Awards at the Mansion House. Picture: Andrew Roe

Disabled entrepreneur Shane Bratby, who suffers from Friedreich’s ataxia which damages the nervous system affecting speech and mobility, organised the ceremony to reward the great and the good who may go unrewarded.

The 31-year-old father-of-three came up with the idea during a recent stay in hospital when he was inspired by the caring nature of staff who saved his life following a bout with pneumonia.

Mark and Rachael Innes, of SSAFA at the Recogination Day Awards at the Mansion House. Picture: Andrew RoeMark and Rachael Innes, of SSAFA at the Recogination Day Awards at the Mansion House. Picture: Andrew Roe
Mark and Rachael Innes, of SSAFA at the Recogination Day Awards at the Mansion House. Picture: Andrew Roe
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The result was the glittering Doncaster Recognition Day, held at the Mansion House on Wednesday, January 20, which attracted more than 50 guests. The goodwill charity award went to SSAFA The Armed Forces’ Charity based at Scarborough Barracks in Balby in recognition of their work to help ex-servicemen and women.

Doncaster-based Legacy Church took home the Goodwill Business Award. Their citation told how they help vulnerable students at Doncaster College to pay for gas and electric cards and provide gifts and toys for the children’s ward at Doncaster Royal Infirmary.

Cantley resident Tony Sheppeck was handed the Goodwill Citizen Award. His citation described how he has previously battled cancer and recently walked from Robin Hood’s Bay on the east coast to St Bees on the west coast with his son Ryan and a friend to raise £10, 500 for Weston Park Hospital in Sheffield.

The awards were given out by deputy civic mayor David Nevett and deputy civic mayoress Kathleen Nevett.

(l-r) Karen, Ryan, Tony, Chad, Kimberley Davies and Sam Sheppeck at the Recogination Day Awards at the Mansion House. Picture: Andrew Roe(l-r) Karen, Ryan, Tony, Chad, Kimberley Davies and Sam Sheppeck at the Recogination Day Awards at the Mansion House. Picture: Andrew Roe
(l-r) Karen, Ryan, Tony, Chad, Kimberley Davies and Sam Sheppeck at the Recogination Day Awards at the Mansion House. Picture: Andrew Roe
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Shane, of Hexthorpe, said: “There was a nurse in particular who looked after me in hospital and I promised her I would organise an event like this as a thank you.

“We need an event like this from time to time. When you give gratification, it is the best feeling in the world.”

Related topics: