Cornwall dad who died following hit-and-run wins 'Local Heroes' award
Ryan Saltern was involved in multiple charity events and fundraisers
Last updated 16th May 2022
A young dad who died following a hit-and-run collision has been named one of Cornwall's Local Heroes.
31-year-old Ryan Saltern won our "In Memory Of" award at a special ceremony in St Ives on Friday (13th May).
As a postman, Ryan was a well-known and much-loved member of the community.
Before his death, he was involved in numerous charity events and fundraisers.
Those included organising a football match for a young boy who was battling cancer.
Tragically, Ryan passed away just two days after launching the event on social media.
Wife Cath was among many who nominated Ryan for this award and she hopes it will create a new and lasting memory for their now six-year-old son, Harry.
Our Local Heroes Awards are held every year however, due to the pandemic, we have had to take a break.
This year's ceremony, to honour local people in Cornwall who show extraordinary courage or achieve extraordinary things, was held at Tregenna Castle Hotel in St Ives on Friday.
A 21-year-old who beat cancer and completed his degree during the pandemic was among the other winners, along with an eco-warrior tackling marine plastic pollution, a man who pulled a woman to safety after a house fire and an RNLI volunteer of 40+ years!
Winners of Cornwall's Local Heroes Awards
Bravery Award: John Bryant from Widegates near Looe who scaled a ladder to pull an elderly woman to safety from her burning home.
Carer of the Year: Kevin Colwill from Bude who cared for a woman's elderly nan for SIX years as she battled vascular dementia and Alzheimer's.
Young Person of the Year: Liam Howell from Redruth who beat cancer, completed his degree and raised thousands of pounds for charity during the pandemic.
Environmental Award: Claire Wallerstein from Kingsand who, after setting up Rame Peninsula Beach Care, has spent over 10 years tackling marine plastic pollution around the Cornish coast.
Emergency Services Award: Fran Riley who manages Sowenna; Cornwall's inpatient unit for children and young people with mental health difficulties.
Parent/Guardian of the Year: Gemma Adams from Liskeard who fights tirelessly for the rights of young people with special educational needs after her son, Joseph, was diagnosed with autism.
Fundraiser of the Year: Paul Turton who set up Helston's Helstonbury Festival and has raised thousands of pounds for local charities and good causes.
Child of Courage: Charlie Lees from Gunnislake who was born a boy but who, towards the end of primary school, bravely told her mum she wanted to be a girl and has not allowed any discrimination to phase her.
Cornish Coastal Rescue Award: Dave Nicoll from Falmouth who has been volunteering for the RNLI for over 40 years, during which time he has been involved in countless rescues.
Inspiration to Others: Mum-of-three Charlotte Cloke from Wadebridge who has written and illustrated a book to help other children cope with domestic abuse after escaping an abusive relationship herself.
Sports Achievement Award: Tamasine Corney from Launceston who set up the now British Cycling affiliated all-women's cycling club, The Widger Spoke Easies, after being diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis.
Good Neighbour Award: Ryan Wildman from Par who rushed to help when neighbour Sam had to deliver his baby boy at home. Ryan looked after Sam's little girl and newborn Rowan before giving Sam a lift to the hospital.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Lynn Bartrip-Kay from Newquay who set up the town's Purple Angels dementia support and awareness group and who is involved in countless other charities. The 72-year-old lost both her parents to dementia and cares for her ex-husband who also has the condition.
In Memory Of Award: Young dad Ryan who died following a hit-and-run collision in north Cornwall. The 31-year-old was involved in multiple charity events and fundraisers before his death, including a football match for a young boy diagnosed with cancer.