Award goes to fitting home in its first year

Simon Bradford was a service user at the Pottergate Centre in Alnwick as well as the complex care champion for Northumberland, instrumental in the development of hospital passports.

Simon passed away last year and it was decided to be create this award in his memory, which is presented on behalf of the Northumberland Learning Disability Partnership Board (LDPB).

The Pottergate Centre was thrilled to be recognised as Pottergate Pantry won the inaugural Simon Bradford Inspirational Award in recognition of its work to inspire others in promoting better lives for people with learning disabilities.

Pottergate Pantry is a small catering enterprise involving up to 14 clients, supplying meals, biscuits, tray bakes, etc.

Michael Sisson was runner-up for his work as a volunteer and with public protection to develop awareness of disability hate crime.

And there was more success for Pottergate as one of the finalists was the Rhythm Stix, the centre’s drumming group.

The other finalists were Hayley Fox, who has just stepped down as co-chairman of the LDPB, and swimmer Christopher McDonnell, the 2015 Gazette Sports Personality of the Year. Hayley is also a member of the Rhythm Stix, while Christopher is part of the Pottergate Pantry team.

Kirsty Balmbra, care supervisor at the centre and ‘manager’ of the Rhythm Stix, said: “Everyone is thrilled to be recognised by the LDPB and that the award is going in its first year to the centre Simon attended for many years.”