Star comment: Take pride in success of awards
Cynicism and misery frequently dominate the news. We hear of trouble in the Middle East and crime on housing estates, there are problems at Shropshire hospitals and tragedies on our roads.
But good news is sometimes more important than information that shocks or discomforts.
And there is a steely determination here in our beautiful county to celebrate the beneficient, rather than simply dwelling on the bad. Last night's Pride of Shropshire Awards provided an opportunity to focus on the selfless and kind, the heroic and gallant.
The nation's leader, Prime Minister David Cameron, has given his support to the initiative, which for eight years has shone a spotlight on those who deserve recognition from the wider community. Mr Cameron commended last night's awards evening, which served to remind our region's unsung heroes of their importance to society.
Indiscriminate acts of kindness underpin our community. There are good neighbours and volunteers, special young people and indefatigable carers. They go the extra mile to ensure that those less fortunate are safe and secure, happy and comfortable.
It is quite right that the winners of this year's awards should be able to bask in their individual success. However, the nominees for the awards should also take an equal amount of pride in their achievements.
They have sacrificed their own time to improve the lives of others; they showed courage and compassion to do the right thing.
The overall winners of the Pride of Shropshire Award were Karen Higgins and Annie Hambley, two sisters who were united in grief when their brother, Ben, was attacked and killed in an unprovoked assault. They created a positive out of a negative, forming Shrewsbury's Big Busk to commemorate his life and help the town's Ark, which supports the vulnerable and homeless.
The event is Classic Shropshire, it rose from nothing and has become an integral part of the annual calendar. It puts a smile on the face of locals and visitors while generating funds to help those who can't help themselves. And it provides a lasting reminder of a man who ought to still be among us.
Good news makes our county tick and the selfless souls who featured at last night's ceremony truly are The Pride of Shropshire.
