Earlier this year, a call went out to find the people who represent the very best of Manchester.
The people, groups and organisations that make the city such a special place do not always receive the recognition they deserve, so it was time to give them a stage.
Since then, nominations for the inaugural Best of Manchester awards have been flying in and this week sees the first of three special events which are all about celebrating the incredible nominees.
Click here to find out more about the launch of the Best of Manchester Awards.
Last night (Wednesday) nominees from the north of Manchester attended a special reception held at the Town Hall Extension, hosted by the Lord Mayor of Manchester Cllr Shaukat Ali.
One of the attendees was Lauren Gregory, joint founder of Tactical Awareness North Manchester, a group that is dedicated to empowering women through self-defence classes and helping build their confidence.
She said: said:
Being nominated for a Best of Manchester Award is such a lovely and unexpected moment for both of us. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built through Tactical Awareness and, most importantly, of the women we’ve had the privilege of supporting along the way.
“What started with a simple belief that every woman should have access to free, practical self-defence has grown into something that means so much more to us. Seeing women walk away from our sessions feeling stronger, more confident and more aware of their own abilities is the real reward so to have our work recognised in this way is the icing on the cake!
“For us, this nomination is a little reminder that the work we’re doing matters. It gives us even more motivation to keep growing Tactical Awareness, reach even more women across North Manchester, and create a safe, welcoming space where women can learn, laugh, build confidence and feel empowered.
Kerrie Rimmer, founder of MaxTrax, added:
I am deeply humbled and so grateful to be nominated for a Best of Manchester award. This recognition belongs to everyone behind the scenes at MaxTrax, to our wonderful community who embrace what we have created and to seeing the difference we make to every person that comes along to our welcoming space.
Another nominee is Ehinor Otaigbe MBE, founder and CEO of Wonderfully Made Woman, a charity that provides holistic support for women and girls allowing them to thrive and succeed no matter what their ambition in life may be.
She said:
I am excited we have been nominated for the Best of Manchester awards, it is good to know that our communities acknowledge the work that we do
A further two events are set to take place in the coming weeks that will see people and organisations from the central Manchester wards, and South Manchester and Wythenshawe.
The Lord Mayor, Cllr Shaukat Ali, said:
In my role I have the privilege of meeting so many people, and visiting so many groups who embody the very best of what it means to be a Mancunian.
“Every day in Manchester there are thousands of people who in their own way make people’s lives better and these awards are our way of paying tribute to them.
"So often awards begin and end with the winners, but, with the Best of Manchester the aim is to celebrate everyone who has been nominated from start to finish."
“It was a special evening and I’m looking forward to meeting even more of the men and women who embody the very best of what this city has to offer.
