CHESHIRE Community Foundation (CCF) have presented eight prestigious awards to charities, businesses and volunteers who have made a huge impact in Cheshire since the beginning of the pandemic.

The awards were presented by David Briggs, Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire at Cheshire Community Foundation’s president’s awards at Arley Hall and Gardens in Northwich.

Amongst those awarded was Stick'n'Step in Cheshire West, which supports children with cerebral palsy and their families.

This year marks 10 years of operation for Cheshire Community Foundation.

This decade of fundraising and grant making by the foundation has been for projects which have touched the lives of one in 10 people in Cheshire.

They report having already awarded £1 million in grants this year, bringing their total to over £9 million since the foundation began.

Zoe Sheppard, CEO of Cheshire Community Foundation said: "David Briggs is such an important part of our story here at Cheshire Community Foundation.

"He is our founder, our president, and our greatest champion.

"He tirelessly fundraises and builds our network of supporters, with the goal of improving lives in Cheshire always in his sights.

"As we celebrate 10 years of our foundation and his lieutenancy, we know he will be sorely missed in his role as our president.

"However, he doesn’t get away that easily!

"David will become our Patron, and we look forward to many years ahead with him continuing to support our work with his infectious enthusiasm and passion for local charities and their work.

"The new Lord Lieutenant, Alexis Redmond, will make a superb president of Cheshire Community Foundation and although these are big shoes to fill, we’re confident she will do so bringing her own brand of energy and dynamism to the role."

Stick’n’Step were described by David Briggs as an 'incredible charity', as he told the story of a child whose mobility was transformed from using a wheelchair, to playing football, by Stick'n'Step’s therapy and inspiring encouragement.

Angela Richardson, Grants Director at CCF said: "In 2020 we provided three times our typical number of grants thanks to our generous donors.

"We are now seeing incredible project outcomes achieved by charities for people affected by the pandemic.

"We wanted to celebrate and recognise the amazing success of Cheshire and Warrington charities, under such extraordinary circumstances.

"Stick’n’Step demonstrated how a project can impact not just the direct beneficiaries but their families and community too, by providing emotional and practical support."

Rob McKay, who chairs the Cheshire West and Chester Impact Group for CCF was one of three people to receive a volunteer award, in recognition of his contributions.