Tommy Joyce topped a poll to find the unsung heroes and heroines in our region.
Organised by the BBC and the Variety Club of Great Britain, the Heart of Yorkshire awards proved incredibly popular, with over 30,000 votes cast by e-mail and post. Local legend Tommy was recognised for his sterling efforts by scooping the gong for Yorkshireman of the Year. Tommy ran a lung-busting 527 miles and 700 yards during his marathon stint - with all sponsorship proceeds going to cancer charities. A former professional boxer, Tommy took up his marathon challenge after cancer claimed the life of his mother.  | | Michael Parkinson - honoured for a lifetime of achievement |
He interrupted a charity marathon from Edinburgh to Mexborough to pick up his award at a star-studded ceremony in Harrogate. Tommy was not the only award winner form South Yorkshire - Barnsley lad and legendary BBC chat show host Michael Parkinson picked up an award for lifetime achievement.
Other award winners were: Yorkshirewoman of the Year: Pat Farrar
Pat has been a foster mother for more than 200 children and young people in Leeds. After 20 years she now concentrates on fostering babies with special needs. Yorkshire Community Person of the Year: Janice Gray
Janice was responsible for rebuilding the Tang Hall community centre in York after it was destroyed by fire. Yorkshire Young Person of the Year: Jessica Osbourne
Jessica, a full-time university student from Selby, cares for her mother and brother, who both have health problems. Jessica is an active campaigner for better young carer services in her district. Yorkshire Team award: The ladies of the Rylestone Women's Institute
The ladies are the subject of a new film 'Calendar Girls' to be released in September about a now infamous nude calendar, which has raised over £500,000 for charity. Yorkshire Special award: Jane Tomlinson
Despite suffering from terminal cancer, Jane has raised more than £100,000 for cancer research in the last 12 months through sponsored runs.
The awards were sponsored by the following companies and organisations: Yorkshireman of the Year: GE Consumer Finance Yorkshirewoman of the year: GE Consumer Finance Yorkshire Community Person of the Year: Allerton Castle Yorkshire Young Person of the Year: Rollem Productions Yorkshire Team award: Cattles Invoice Finance Ltd Yorkshire Special award: Mercedes-Benz of York Yorkshire Lifetime Achievement award: Yorkshire Forward
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