Warrington Guardian Inspiration Awards 2026 will honor community heroes at The Village Hotel on April 23, celebrating local achievements across 12 categories.
Tommy O’Connor Wins Everyday Hero Award
Last year, Tommy O’Connor won the Everyday Hero Award at the Warrington Guardian Inspiration Awards 2025.
He is 72 years old and opened Rock Steady Boxing Widnes and Warrington seven years ago. He also opened a Warrington gym in January 2024.
Tommy’s goal is to help people with Parkinson’s disease improve their mental, emotional, and physical health.
Tommy himself lives with Parkinson’s.
Tommy’s Journey with Boxing
While serving in the army, Tommy was on the boxing team. After retiring, he continued his fitness journey with boot camps, boxercise classes, and personal training sessions.
Tommy said, “Once I received my diagnosis, I was determined to fight back. I understood the issues faced by people with Parkinson’s and the benefits of exercise.”
He found the Rock Steady Boxing program in the United States and raised funds to receive training there.
Tommy added, “I wanted to bring everything back to the UK and show other Parkinson’s sufferers that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
Growth of Rock Steady Boxing
Tommy was nervous that Rock Steady Boxing would not appeal to people in the UK, but he was proven wrong. Sessions grew in popularity, attracting participants from across the country.
He stated, “We have become the UK advocate for Rock Steady Boxing, becoming the first UK training site.”
This allows more Parkinson’s sufferers to fight back.
Inspiration Awards 2026
The Everyday Hero Award is one of 12 honors to be given at the Inspiration Awards 2026 on Thursday, April 23, at The Village Hotel.
The ceremony will celebrate various individuals, including charity champions and health heroes.
Leanne Campbell will host the event again.
Nomination Information
Do you know someone who deserves the Everyday Hero Award? You can also nominate someone for the Contribution to the Community Award.
The Inspiration Awards 2023, 2024, and 2025 were successful, and the 2026 event aims to be even better.
To nominate, see the award categories below and fill in an entry form. The closing date for entries is Friday, February 27.
Award Categories
| Award Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Contribution to the Community | Acknowledges significant benefits to the local area. |
| Sportsperson / Team of the Year | Recognizes achievements in sports or community sports efforts. |
| Young Sportsperson / Team of the Year | Celebrates young athletes aged 18 and younger. |
| Young Person of the Year | Honors a young person who has helped others or excelled. |
| Health Hero of the Year | Recognizes exceptional care in health environments. |
| Everyday Hero Award | Recognizes individuals who put others first. |
| Courage Award | Honors those who have overcome adversity or helped others. |
| Fundraiser of the Year | Recognizes outstanding fundraising efforts. |
| Lifetime Achievement | Award for long-term contributions in Warrington. |
| Charity Champion | Recognizes dedication to supporting a charity. |
| Team of the Year | Celebrates teamwork and success. |
If you want your business to sponsor an award, email nikki.whinnett@localiq.co.uk for more information.
