This Is Manchester 2020 recognises those people, heroes, places, organisations, & communities that have shown resilience and true Mancunian grit and determination.
This year, four Awards have been presented including the Supernova award which goes to Marcus Rashford MBE for his heroic efforts to shine a light on child food poverty.
On receiving the award Marcus said; “I’m honoured to receive this award and would like to thank those who have nominated me for it.
“This award demonstrates the power of working together to fight a common cause. So much more needs to be done though in the fight against child hunger and this award will help motivate me and those involved to continue our efforts.”
And messages of congratulations have been quick to follow;
Last year’s Supernova winner, Fred Done CEO of Betfred said; “Manchester is proud of you Marcus.”
2018 Supernova winner John Roberts, founder of AO.com said; “Talent is evenly distributed but opportunity is not, thank you Marcus for your extraordinary work in shining a light on this national disgrace.”
Fareshare’s Head of Development Miranda Kaunang said; “This year’s been like no other and you’ve helped us reach over 11,000 charities with really important food supplies and most importantly you’ve helped to change the future for millions of children in this country. Congratulations.”
TV Personality and TIMA Presenter, Jenny Powell said; Marcus, for all the parents like me who are relieved there are role models like you, thank you.”
Nominations for the 2020 This is Manchester Awards began in August and were open to all business, organisations and individuals accross Greater Manchester and Cheshire regions. Entries were welcome from anyone wishing to nominate themselves, someone else, business or Individual /person(s) that have shown resilience and courage. Organisers were overwhelmed by the number of entries received.
This is Manchester Awards organiser Ziara Siddique said; “In a year where action and compromise has never been more important, we needed to adapt. Because, this year more than ever it felt right to recognise the resilience and brilliance of our organisations, communities, charities and volunteers who have all risen to challenges.
“We might not be able to stage a big event but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t uphold the spirit of the awards – we’re Manchester after all and we do things differently here. Our City, United!
“Congratulations to Marcus and all our worthy winners. We were overwhelmend by the support and the entries. Thank you Manchester.”
The 2020 Winners in Full;
Organisation Making A Difference In The Community – Didsbury Gin
One of the first businesses to react, swiftly switching production at its distillery in the heart of Manchester to manufacture hand sanitisers. A staggering two million bottles of sanitiser were produced in the space of just seven days to supply key public service providers across Greater Manchester, including Great Manchester police, adult social care, GP surgeries and other front-line workers.
Individual Making A Difference In The Community – Dan McDwyer – Bee Vocal Choir
Recognising the full and true impact of music on people, Dan embarked on a project with senior members of Manchester Contemporary Youth Choir to create a virtual cover of ‘Lean On Me’ to say thank you to all NHS and Key Workers.
As the reality of the impact on loss of lives to Covid19 was becoming more evident, as the death toll during lockdown rose to levels that shocked the whole of the Manchester Community, Dan once again sought to use the emotional connection felt through song. Bringing together musicians and members of numerous choirs from within the COMMUNITY of MANCHESTER to perform ‘Fix You’ in a virtual cover of the Coldplay hit.
Hospitality Demonstrating Generosity & Resilience – GG Hospitality & The Stock Hotel & Hotel
NHS Support Beds – during lockdown GG Hospitality threw open its doors and provided beds for key NHS workers so that they copuld protect their families at home and get a decent night’s sleep
For the past two years, the This is Manchester Awards have more than cemented their mark on the city wth the 2018 and 2019 events attended by celebrities, sports stars and heads of business. The Supernova award first presented to John Roberts, founder of AO.com, was passed in 2019 to serial entrepreneur Fred Done, CEO of Betfred, recognised for his charity work, specifically that which aims to support the young people of Greater Manchester.
