Post by SheWolf on Nov 10, 2006 15:32:25 GMT 1
Special tribute to snooker star Paul Hunter
SNOOKER star Paul Hunter was last night honoured at a glittering ceremony to award young achievers for their amazing efforts.
SNOOKER star Paul Hunter was last night honoured at a glittering ceremony to award young achievers for their amazing efforts.
The Yorkshire Young Achievers Awards, held at the Leeds United ground, honoured the cream of Yorkshire's under 35s in a variety of categories.
Many of the 350 people at the prestigious black tie event were moved to tears as Paul's widow Lindsey collected her beloved husband's posthumous award for Personality of the Year, just a month after he died from cancer.
Some of the region's inspirational youngsters were honoured at the 14th YYA Awards, in aid of NCH children's charity.
Lindsey said: "I did not realise until the day he passed away just how popular Paul really was. He was not only a fantastic snooker player, but a wonderful personality as well.
"This award means so much and I will put it in our games room at home. He won lots of awards and trophies but this is extra special."
Awards chairman Peter McCormick, senior partner of main sponsors McCormicks Solicitors, said: "When the judges picked the winners it was clear that Paul's achievements deserved to be marked so we have made a posthumous award for the first time in the 14-year history of the event.
"This award not only recognises Paul's talents but also the tremendous support given by his wife, Lindsey, as he battled his illness."
Other stars of the night included nine-year-old Aimee Lowe, of Horsforth, who was named Youngster of the Year. She impressed guests who included Belle Isle beauty Nell McAndrew, Emmerdale stars, and Calendar's Christine Talbot and Duncan Woods, who compered the event.
Proud mum Alison Lowe said: "I am so very proud and cannot believe we are here. I read about the awards in the YEP and entered two days before the closing date. It is brilliant, Aimee has been so excited all day long, it's a real glitzy affair."
Actress Kazia Pelka, who presented Aimee's award, said: "Aimee and all the youngsters here tonight put everything into perspective. They all make a huge effort and a real difference to the world."
Teenage golf hero Cameron Hutchinson, 14, of Horsforth, received the Achievement in Sport award. He said: "It is fantastic to win this and a complete surprise. I am busy practising my golf and getting fit for winter. I take my medication for cystic fibrosis and just get on with it."
Presenting his award Ken Bates, Leeds United chairman, said: "He is amazing and makes the rest of us feel very humble."
Emmerdale star Charley Webb, 18, won the Achievement in Arts Award, sponsored by the Yorkshire Evening Post.
Charley, who attended the event with her mum Helen, said: "I am delighted and surprised. I have just signed a new contract with Emmerdale for another year."
Presenting her award YEP editor Paul Napier said: "Charley is a prime example of how someone so young with such determination and talent can become a star of Yorkshire's much loved soap.
SNOOKER star Paul Hunter was last night honoured at a glittering ceremony to award young achievers for their amazing efforts.
SNOOKER star Paul Hunter was last night honoured at a glittering ceremony to award young achievers for their amazing efforts.
The Yorkshire Young Achievers Awards, held at the Leeds United ground, honoured the cream of Yorkshire's under 35s in a variety of categories.
Many of the 350 people at the prestigious black tie event were moved to tears as Paul's widow Lindsey collected her beloved husband's posthumous award for Personality of the Year, just a month after he died from cancer.
Some of the region's inspirational youngsters were honoured at the 14th YYA Awards, in aid of NCH children's charity.
Lindsey said: "I did not realise until the day he passed away just how popular Paul really was. He was not only a fantastic snooker player, but a wonderful personality as well.
"This award means so much and I will put it in our games room at home. He won lots of awards and trophies but this is extra special."
Awards chairman Peter McCormick, senior partner of main sponsors McCormicks Solicitors, said: "When the judges picked the winners it was clear that Paul's achievements deserved to be marked so we have made a posthumous award for the first time in the 14-year history of the event.
"This award not only recognises Paul's talents but also the tremendous support given by his wife, Lindsey, as he battled his illness."
Other stars of the night included nine-year-old Aimee Lowe, of Horsforth, who was named Youngster of the Year. She impressed guests who included Belle Isle beauty Nell McAndrew, Emmerdale stars, and Calendar's Christine Talbot and Duncan Woods, who compered the event.
Proud mum Alison Lowe said: "I am so very proud and cannot believe we are here. I read about the awards in the YEP and entered two days before the closing date. It is brilliant, Aimee has been so excited all day long, it's a real glitzy affair."
Actress Kazia Pelka, who presented Aimee's award, said: "Aimee and all the youngsters here tonight put everything into perspective. They all make a huge effort and a real difference to the world."
Teenage golf hero Cameron Hutchinson, 14, of Horsforth, received the Achievement in Sport award. He said: "It is fantastic to win this and a complete surprise. I am busy practising my golf and getting fit for winter. I take my medication for cystic fibrosis and just get on with it."
Presenting his award Ken Bates, Leeds United chairman, said: "He is amazing and makes the rest of us feel very humble."
Emmerdale star Charley Webb, 18, won the Achievement in Arts Award, sponsored by the Yorkshire Evening Post.
Charley, who attended the event with her mum Helen, said: "I am delighted and surprised. I have just signed a new contract with Emmerdale for another year."
Presenting her award YEP editor Paul Napier said: "Charley is a prime example of how someone so young with such determination and talent can become a star of Yorkshire's much loved soap.