![\"Rebecca](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Rebecca-Ferguson-e1705319228189.jpg\")
Rebecca Ferguson<\/p>\nToday is the day! The excitement is building as The Guide gets set to pour praise on the people of Liverpool and honour all of those who make our city the incredible place it is.<\/p>\n
The first Guide Liverpool HEROES 2025 awards are taking place in a sparkling ceremony at the Titanic Hotel this evening, with more than 400 people waiting to applaud the courageous efforts, achievements and determination of all our winners.<\/p>\n
It marks 10 years since The Guide was launched in 2015, and we can\u2019t think of a better way to mark a decade of sharing the amazing stories of individuals, fundraisers, organisations and businesses than to reward and celebrate those whose selflessness and resilience we have been in awe of year after year.<\/p>\n
Jay Hynd, founder and director of The Guide Liverpool, says: <\/p>\n
\u201cAlthough it\u2019s our 10th birthday \u2013 and that seemed like a milestone to mark \u2013 the Guide Liverpool HEROES 2025 are not about us, but about the finalists; the fantastic people, the charities and the businesses who make our city stand out, sometimes overcoming tragedies or difficulties of their own, always putting others before themselves.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have got more than 50 outstanding finalists \u2013 and everyone of those could be a winner!\u201d<\/p>\n
Jay will host the awards \u2013 brought to you by Liverpool Cruise Port and in Partnership with San Carlo Restaurants \u2013 with fellow Guide and In-Demand Radio presenter Gemma Cutting.<\/p>\n
Liverpool singer and songwriter Rebecca Ferguson will perform at the event.<\/p>\n
Rebecca Ferguson<\/p>\n
The awards are split into 16 different categories, focusing on everything from community projects, charities and emergency services to sports heroes and influencers, with the majority decided by public votes.<\/p>\n
And there will be three surprise awards \u2013 Unsung Hero, Inspiration and City Region Superhero \u2013 plus one very Special Award dedicated to those impacted by the events in Southport in August last year.<\/p>\n
All money raised throughout the evening\u2019s raffles and auctions \u2013 with prizes including an eight-night Fred Olsen Cruise and the chance to be an extra for a day on the second series of hit Mersey drama This City Is Ours \u2013 will go towards Alder Hey\u2019s state-of-the-art in-hospital cinema.<\/p>\n
The MediCinema, which set its reels rolling in November last year, shows the latest movies for free and has transformed the hospital experience for thousands of young patients.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s going to be an incredible and emotional evening, and one that we are really looking forward to,\u201d says Jay. \u201cAnd it\u2019s the first of many to say thank you to every one of those people and organisations from Liverpool City Region who have inspired us to be better and improved the lives of so many around us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sponsored by Liverpool Cruise Port, San Carlo Restaurants, Morecrofts Solicitors, Liverpool ONE, Open Media, Radisson RED Liverpool, BOXPARK Liverpool, Wild Thang, Hits Radio, Sedulo, Gaskells Waste Services, and Liverpool BID Company.<\/strong><\/p>\n Business Hero Finalists<\/strong><\/p>\n Anthony Grice<\/strong>, who\u2019s turned FIKA into a community hub with free meals, mental health walks and more.<\/p>\n Michelle Langan<\/strong> \u2013 Paper Cup Project \u2013 <\/strong>who offers vital support to people experiencing homelessness in Liverpool.\u00a0<\/p>\n Mubinul Hoque<\/strong>, owner of Portland\u2019s Fish & Chips, who supports his community and sponsors local Nicosia Juniors football team.<\/p>\n Paul Corcoran<\/strong>, who\u2019s built thriving creative agency, Agent Marketing, while <\/strong>championing young talent.<\/p>\n Sarah Lovelock<\/strong>, who\u2019s created a space where everyone belongs in Lovelocks Caf\u00e9.<\/p>\n Business of the Year Finalists<\/strong><\/p>\n Frank Rogers Building Contractors<\/strong> \u2013 supporting communities and delivering projects that make a difference.<\/p>\n Home Bargains<\/strong> \u2013 a Liverpool success story that\u2019s stayed true to its roots and pledged \u00a32.5m to help save Zoe\u2019s Place.<\/p>\n Mattas Bold Street<\/strong> \u2013 the Bold Street family-run international food business that\u2019s welcomed people to the city for decades.<\/p>\n Montirex<\/strong> \u2013 building a sportswear brand while launching campaigns to tackle mental health.<\/p>\n Mowgli<\/strong> \u2013 redefining Indian street food and supporting charities, the restaurant in Water Street became an emergency hub in the aftermath of the Reds victory parade in May.<\/p>\n Charity\u00a0of the Year Finalists<\/strong><\/p>\n Claire House Children\u2019s Hospice<\/strong> \u2013 Claire House makes every day count when time is short.<\/p>\n Clatterbridge Cancer Charity<\/strong> \u2013 dedicated to supporting cancer patients and their families, and funding life-saving research, treatment and care across Merseyside and Cheshire.<\/p>\n New Beginnings Improving Lives<\/strong> \u2013 a grassroots charity transforming communities with free boxing and food support to vital wellbeing and family services.<\/p>\n North West Cancer Research<\/strong> \u2013 funding pioneering local research, education and community projects to save and improve lives for future generations.<\/p>\n Sahir House<\/strong> \u2013 Liverpool\u2019s oldest LGBTQ+ and HIV charity, providing vital support, advocacy and community.<\/p>\n Tom Harrison House<\/strong> \u2013 the UK\u2019s only veteran-specific addiction recovery centre.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Central Waste<\/strong> \u2013 backing local initiatives and funding community projects to show Liverpool can thrive sustainably. The Florrie<\/strong> \u2013 a landmark of Liverpool life, hosting events, activities and support that bring the community together every single day. Fans Supporting Food Banks<\/strong> \u2013 a joint initiative between rival Liverpool F.C. and Everton F.C. supporters to tackle food poverty in Liverpool.<\/p>\n James Riley<\/strong> \u2013 Affectionately known in the city as The Gangs Man, James has spent a decade educating young people to help reduce serious youth violence in Merseyside.<\/p>\n Michelle O\u2019Dwyer , Bay Tree Cookery Academy CIC<\/strong> \u2013 embracing the mix of cultures across Merseyside it teaches all ages how to cook from scratch to help people be better fed on a budget.\u00a0<\/p>\n Paula Gunn, Tom Harrison House <\/strong>\u2013 offering help and mentoring to veterans who are struggling.<\/p>\n Sustainability Award Finalists<\/strong><\/p>\n Brabners<\/strong> \u2013 a law firm driving change, investing in green projects and empowering communities.<\/p>\n Maray<\/strong> \u2013 championing sustainability in food and culture by reducing waste, sourcing ethically and supporting local communities.<\/p>\n Oneday<\/strong> \u2013 has transformed Bowring Park and Golf Course to offer golf, dog walking, children\u2019s play areas, and food and drink at The Coach House \u2013 and created 85 local jobs.<\/p>\n Strawberry Field<\/strong> \u2013 a visitor attraction and training centre on the site that inspired John Lennon\u2019s \u2018Strawberry Fields Forever\u2019. Run by The Salvation Army, it\u2019s committed to environmental, social and economic sustainability.<\/p>\n Zero Waste Liverpool<\/strong> \u2013 saving surplus food from supermarkets and outlets and redistributing it at weekly community events to feed people and cut landfill.<\/p>\n Emergency Services Award Finalists<\/strong><\/p>\n Merseyside Police Family Liaison Team<\/strong> \u2013 standing beside families in their darkest moments, offering support and helping to bring offenders to justice.<\/p>\n Merseyside Water Rescue<\/strong> \u2013 a dedicated volunteer team operating a rescue boat around the Liverpool docks.<\/p>\n North West Air Ambulance<\/strong> \u2013 delivering critical care when every second counts and saving lives daily across our region. Fundraising Hero\u00a0Finalists<\/strong><\/p>\n Jack Dowling<\/strong>, who ran 26 marathons in 26 days \u2013 raising thousands for Macmillan Cancer Support.<\/p>\n Olly Harrison<\/strong> \u2013 the farmer who\u2019s raised millions with his epic tractor convoys and charity campaigns to support North West Air Ambulance.<\/p>\n Alex Rigby<\/strong>, who ran 109 miles to every Merseyrail station in 28 hours, raising \u00a356,000 for Centre 56.<\/p>\n Nicola Carragher<\/strong> \u2013 to raise vital funds for Alder Hey, the wife of LFC footballing legend Jamie set herself an ambitious challenge to run 7 major world marathons within 12 months.<\/p>\n Ged Finnegan<\/strong>, who has raised more \u00a3100,000 for Zoe\u2019s Place after his first 26-mile Kate\u2019s Coastal Walk to mark the 20th\u00a0anniversary of his daughter\u2019s death at the age of just 13.<\/p>\n Phil Hayward<\/strong> \u2013 Wirral PE teacher Phil ran a charity 10K every day for a year \u2013 in bare feet! \u2013 for the Alzheimer\u2019s Society.<\/p>\n Neil Atherton<\/strong>, who\u2019s\u00a0clocked up more than 500 miles and raised over \u00a329,000 by walking bus routes for local foodbanks with the support of Arriva.\u00a0<\/p>\n Influencer Award Finalists<\/strong><\/p>\n Have a Laff with Saff <\/strong>\u2013 after setting up a TikTok account called Have a Laugh with Saff, Saffron McConville developed a career as an influencer, sharing her journey overcoming agoraphobia.<\/p>\n Niall O\u2019Callaghan <\/strong>\u2013 a dentist\u2019s assistant manager who gained popularity for his TikTok videos featuring impressions of a \u201cScouse Gerl\u201d, he\u2019s an ambassador for mental health charity Be Free Campaign and the Anti Schools\u2019 Bullying Project.<\/p>\n Ryan Hall \u2013 Still Ryan<\/strong> \u2013 is a content creator known for his upbeat and positive interviews with people on the streets.<\/p>\n Tyler Daclaire<\/strong> \u2013 bold, brilliant and unapologetically authentic, Tyler is a voice for self-expression and inclusion that inspires Liverpool\u2019s LGBTQ+ community and beyond.<\/p>\n Sports Hero<\/strong><\/p>\n Dave Bangs, Amathus Dragonboat Club<\/strong> \u2013 inspiring teammates and using sport to build confidence, resilience and community connections.<\/p>\n Wayne Smith, Golden Gloves Boxing<\/strong> \u2013 Wayne uses sport to steer young people away from crime, boost confidence and build brighter futures.<\/p>\n Weapons Down Gloves Up<\/strong> \u2013 a grassroots movement using boxing and fitness to tackle knife crime, and give young people purpose, discipline and hope.<\/p>\n Southport FC<\/strong> \u2013 under new ownership, the club\u2019s Celebrity Charity Match raised \u00a348,000 for families affected by last year\u2019s Southport tragedy.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Inclusive Hub<\/strong> \u2013 changing lives through sport and creating an inspiring space where people with additional needs can build strength, confidence and belonging.<\/p>\n The Make a Difference Award<\/strong><\/p>\n Tim Edwards & actor John May<\/strong> \u2013 the pair have been raising awareness for anti-gun and knife crime across the world after the killing of Tim\u2019s daughter Elle, including a walk from Land\u2019s End to John O\u2019Groats.<\/p>\n Joanne Colleran<\/strong> \u2013 with her family she launched the \u2018Slow Down for Bobby\u2019 campaign in memory of her son, to push for dedicated 20 mph safety zones around schools and introduce better road safety measures, education, and awareness.<\/p>\n Kieran Shingler<\/strong> \u2013 while battling cancer, Kieran set himself a challenge of climbing 12 summits in 12 months to raise money for charity, conquering the Old Man of Coniston, Snowdon, Mam Tor and Moel Famau before having to go back on chemotherapy in June.<\/p>\n Cheryl Korbel<\/strong> \u2013 succesfully campaigned for a law change compelling offenders to attend court for sentence hearings following the murder of her nine-year-old daughter Olivia Pratt-Korbel in August 2022.<\/p>\n Alfie Fitzsimmons<\/strong> \u2013 Alfie\u2019s Squad was launched in 2023 by Alfie and his mum Allison to create the only peer support group in the UK for children and young people who have been bereaved by suicide.<\/p>\n Find out more about The Guide Liverpool Heroes\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Find out what\u2019s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.\u00a0 ![\"Albert](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/shutterstock_2236437675.jpg\")
Credit: Shutterstock
\nThe Guide Liverpool HEROES 2025 finalists\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n
Kitty\u2019s Laundrette<\/strong> \u2013 a vibrant, welcoming community hub in the heart of Anfield.
Protect Scouse Dolls<\/strong> \u2013 a community-led fund and service network dedicated to the wellbeing and collective freedom of the Trans+ community.<\/p>\n
Celebration concert for Zoe\u2019s Place<\/strong> \u2013 held at the M&S Bank Arena, it united Liverpool through music, raising vital funds to support the hospice\u2019s specialist care for babies and children.<\/p>\n
RNLI New Brighton Lifeboat Crew<\/strong> \u2013 showing extraordinary courage and dedication to protecting lives at sea.<\/p>\n
\nFrom the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North \u2013 visit\u00a0thenorthernguide.com<\/a>\u00a0and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram\u00a0HERE.<\/a><\/p>\n