A Co Armagh farmer has been named this year’s Community Hero winner at the Spirit of NI awards in partnership with Ulster Bank.
Redrock’s George McCall who is well known in farming and cattle circles has been honoured for his commitments to local agricultural shows and societies, and his fundraising efforts.
To date, George has raised over £70,000 for Friends of the Cancer Centre, having seen the care and support the charity provides to families, like his, impacted by cancer. Already, George is planning his next fundraising venture and wants to try and surpass this total.
There are a number of things which spur George on to give back to his local community. But the biggest of these is gratitude.
More than 10 years ago George faced a terrifying ordeal, becoming trapped inside a slurry tank. Thankfully, he was rescued and recovered well but ever since he has been determined to make his life count and do everything he can to help others.
Accepting his award, George dedicated it to his son who helped to rescue him from his accident back in 2014.
Held in partnership with Ulster Bank, the awards took place on Friday night (September 18) at the Culloden Hotel and recognised some of Northern Ireland’s most inspirational, unsung heroes. Alongside Geraldine, other winners included a mental health campaigner from Belfast, a RNLI volunteer from Bangor and a retired GP who provided palliative care services in south Down.
Famous faces from the worlds of sport, television, film and music also attended the event and helped to present some of the awards. Guests included stars of hit BBC drama Blue Lights, Bob Geldof and B*Witched, who also performed at the event.
Terry Robb, Head of Branch and Local Banking, at title sponsor Ulster Bank said: “This year’s Spirit of Northern Ireland awards in partnership with Ulster Bank, have been another wonderful celebration of the people and organisations who make our communities extraordinary.
“Congratulations to all of this year’s winners, including George for his Community Hero award. Your achievements and sense of community spirit are truly remarkable, and we have all come away from this event feeling inspired.
“It is a huge privilege to be part of such an uplifting event year on year and one we certainly don’t take for granted. Events like the Spirit Awards are a great reminder of why connection and community matter so much and we want to take some of that same spirit on display at the awards into other areas of our working lives.
“Ultimately our goal is to help communities and businesses across Northern Ireland succeed, and the Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards continue to play a key role in this effort.”
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