The Broadway, Bradford launch initiative to recognise local heroes from across West Yorkshire
Do you know a local hero? They could win a £250 shopping voucher!
Last updated 19th May 2021
As heard on Pulse 1 and Greatest Hits Radio West Yorkshire The Broadway, Bradford has launched an initiative to recognise local heroes from across West Yorkshire. Running from February through to the spring, each month one nominated hero will scoop a £250 shopping voucher to spend in any of the centre’s 80 retailers.
Ian Ward, general manager at The Broadway, said: “Inspired by local acts of kindness since the pandemic first struck, we have launched a search to commemorate a monthly ‘Broadway Bradford Hero’ in the region who has gone above and beyond to support others during an unprecedented period.
“Whilst our key and critical workers in the region have played a huge part in the battle against the coronavirus, there have been many unsung heroes in the city and surrounding areas who have supported their community in different ways.
“There is a huge amount of voluntary work carried out in our community by many individuals and we want to hear about them. We’re urging people to nominate their suggestion of a local hero via a submission form on our website. Each month we’ll celebrate a ‘Broadway Bradford Hero’ and award them with a £250 shopping voucher to be spent anywhere in the centre.
“Quite often shopping, collecting prescriptions and cutting the grass for an elderly neighbour is overlooked. We believe these acts are just as noble and important in our community as running a virtual youth or support group, supporting local climate change, fundraising for a charity or being a dedicated teacher at a school.”
The centre is urging people to nominate their local hero via an online submission form. The winner will be announced at the end of each month. Nominate your hero HERE.
Broadway Bradford Heroes
Here are the worthy winners so far...
Michael Chin-Chan, from Girlington
64 year old, ex-sergeant major Michael Chin-Chan of Girlington has been crowned as The Broadway’s first local hero.
Nominated by his daughter, Aisha Chin-Chan, Michael was awarded for inspirational Facebook Live sessions that he conducts weekly for the ex-military community to support the effects of PTSD and his mighty fundraising efforts which saw him run 5km everyday during Ramadan in 2020.
Every Friday morning, Michael conducts a Facebook Live event to his following of over 1000 friends, acquaintances and colleagues that he met during his time serving in the Duke of Wellington Regiment. Michael speaks of the effects of PTSD and provides advice and support for those who require it in Bradford and across the country.
Michael raised £1,600 for the NHS Charities in 2020 by clocking up an impressive 150 kilometres in 30 days by running around Manningham’s Lister Park and doing 25 press ups per day.
Michael commented: “I’m delighted to have won this award. The recognition is humbling, and I hope I can inspire people of all ages to move their bodies more. I’m receiving another award soon that was delayed by the pandemic - the Queen put me on her Birthday Honours List in 2020!”
Ashlee Holt, from Idle
29 year old, mother of seven Ashlee Holt from Idle has been celebrated as The Broadway’s final ‘Local Hero’.
Nominated by her husband, Matthew Holt, Ashlee has been awarded for her incredible and compassionate efforts in her local community. Ashlee is the lady behind ‘Tribe Rock Remembugs’, an organisation that handpaints rocks in memory of those who have passed.
Ashlee transforms small rocks into ‘Remembugs’ and members of the community can choose to have the name of a loved one fixed to the stone alongside a poem that encourages finders of the rock to pick it up and ‘take me on your travels and tell my story to those you meet’.
People who pick up the stone join the ‘Tribe Rock Remembugs’ Facebook page and can document the journey the sentimental rock goes on for the family to see.
“I usually pop the rocks by the canal in Bradford, and update the Facebook page to say there are Remembugs to be found and taken on their own unique journey. I’ve had rocks that have travelled to see the sights in South Africa, and one special Remembug that was named after a stillborn baby named Enzo, who got to experience Disneyland Florida after a family who found the Remembug packed it in their case.
“I love what I do as it brings so much joy to the families that give their loved one’s name to a Remembug. I started in 2019 when a friend of mine lost her baby, Alf and Remembugs has grown from there. I don’t accept any payment for the stones and I even have a lady who runs an American version of Remebugs from Illinois.
“Before the pandemic I was painting around 75 stones per week, but as people weren’t really picking up things during the lockdown our Remembugs didn’t travel far. Now that families are out and about exploring again, we’re seeing our stones go far and wide.”
Ian Ward, general manager at The Broadway, said: “The joy and comfort Ashlee brings to families that have lost a loved one is immeasurable. Her kindness and commitment to helping others is inspiring, particularly when everything she does is for free and simply to bring a smile to other people’s faces.”
The shopping centre has been running a campaign since early 2021 to celebrate the region’s unsung heroes with a winner each month awarded with a £250 shopping voucher. Ashlee is the final deserving winner!