Janet Wilcock was honored with the Unsung Hero of the Year award at the Compassionate City Awards held in Leeds for her remarkable 22 years as a foster carer, caring for over 70 vulnerable infants, especially those facing withdrawal symptoms. This award highlights not only her dedication but also the spirit of compassion and community that thrives in Leeds, where individuals like Janet play a vital role in enriching the lives of others.
Who won the Unsung Hero of the Year award at the Compassionate City Awards in Leeds?
Janet Wilcock won the Unsung Hero of the Year award at the Compassionate City Awards in Leeds for her 22 years of dedicated foster care to babies in need, particularly those with withdrawal symptoms, fostering over 70 infants, and providing continuous support as part of an extended family network.
Compassionate Care, Compassionate City
Fostering is a journey of immense challenge and profound reward. In the heart of Leeds, foster carer Janet Wilcock’s dedication to the city’s youngest and most vulnerable has earned her the Unsung Hero of the Year award. The Compassionate City Awards, held at the Leeds Civic Hall, are not just ceremonies; they are a testament to the tireless efforts to enrich local communities and align with Leeds’ aspirations to be the UK’s premier city. Janet’s specialization in caring for babies, particularly those suffering from withdrawal symptoms, showcases her commitment over an impressive 22-year span. She has provided a nurturing start for over 70 infants, supporting them until they are ready for a new chapter in their lives.
The scope of Janet’s contribution extends beyond the immediate care of the children. The collaborative environment involving friends, family, and social workers is crucial, creating a comprehensive support network. The evolution of fostering in Leeds has seen changes in adoptive care practices as well. Where once it was uncommon for foster carers to maintain contact with children post-adoption, today, adoptive parents are encouraged to keep in touch. Thus, Janet remains an integral part of numerous extended families, blending her role as a foster carer with being a long-term guardian to a teenager.
The accolade Janet received is a reflection of a city that values compassion as a cornerstone of its community. It recognizes individuals who do not just perform acts of kindness but who embody the spirit of service. Janet’s acknowledgment by the Compassionate City Awards underscores her impact on dozens of lives, setting a precedent for care that transcends the norm.
Sporting Triumph and Environmental Dedication
At the Compassionate City Awards, recognition of excellence extended into various community sectors. Farsley Celtic Deaf FC emerged as the Community Sports Project of the Year. Their stellar achievements, including clinching the EDF Challenge Cup and excelling in European competitions, are not just wins in isolation. They represent the broader community benefits, harnessing sports as a medium for unity and inclusion. From its origins, evolving from Leeds Deaf FC in 2016, the team has become a beacon of excellence in England and across the continent. Their third-place victory in the Deaf Champions League in Athens is a testament to their prowess and the communal spirit they inspire.
The environmental sector also received its due recognition with Hyde Park Source securing the Environmental Achievement of the Year. Their weekly volunteer gardening groups are more than just horticultural endeavors; they are initiatives that foster connection, wellbeing, and stewardship of nature. The outreach of Hyde Park Source, from the Leeds Industrial Museum to Kirkstall Abbey, invites individuals to engage with the environment actively. By doing so, they cultivate a space where community members can connect, contribute, and find solace in nature’s embrace.
These recognitions, spanning sports and environmental efforts, reinforce the message that the awards are not confined to celebrating individuals alone. They highlight that collective endeavors, whether on the playing field or in the gardens of Leeds, contribute significantly to the city’s fabric. It’s a clear indicator of a city that acknowledges the diverse avenues through which its citizens can make a positive impact.
A City of Unsung Heroes
Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, customer service and community safety, Councillor Mary Harland, articulated the essence of these annual awards. They are a celebration of the commendable work undertaken across the city, which embodies the community spirit. Councillor Harland’s words resonate with the city’s ambition: to elevate Leeds as the pinnacle of urban living in the UK. The awards illuminate the contributions of many unsung heroes who exemplify the best of Leeds, emphasizing the importance of recognizing these individuals for their crucial roles in enhancing the city’s quality of life for all.
Here is the full list of winners from the Compassionate City Awards:
- Unsung Sporting Hero of the Year: Alan Hunter
- Unsung Hero of the Year: Janet Wilcock
- Diversity Project of the Year: Happy Tears Foundation
- Health and Wellbeing Project of the Year: Hawa Bah
- Community Sports Project of the Year: Farsley Celtic Deaf FC
- Community Organisation or Project of the Year: Getting Clean CIC
- Environmental Achievement of the Year: Hyde Park Source
- Jo Cox Award: Horsforth Town of Sanctuary
- Fundraising achievement of the Year: Bev Yearwood
- Special recognition award: Tom Riordan
In summary, the Compassionate City Awards serve as a beacon, illuminating the selfless service and achievements of Leeds’ citizens. From Janet Wilcock’s nurturing care for the city’s youngest residents to the spirited teamwork of Farsley Celtic Deaf FC, and the environmental stewardship of Hyde Park Source, each winner embodies the spirit of Leeds. Their dedication and accomplishments are building blocks in the foundation of a compassionate, united, and thriving city.
ENDS
- Janet Wilcock received the Unsung Hero of the Year award at the Compassionate City Awards for her 22 years as a foster carer in Leeds.
- Over her career, she has cared for more than 70 vulnerable infants, particularly those experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
- The Compassionate City Awards celebrate individuals and initiatives that enhance community spirit and compassion in Leeds.
- Other award winners included Farsley Celtic Deaf FC for Community Sports Project of the Year and Hyde Park Source for Environmental Achievement of the Year.
- The awards highlight the importance of recognizing unsung heroes and their contributions to the quality of life in Leeds.