By Paul Jenkins

Copyright expressandstar

From children who have faced their problems head-on and continue to raise money for others, to people who are selfless in supporting people who have mental health issues or autism to women who have survived domestic abuse or sexual violence, the awards highlighted the work and service of individuals and organisation who typify the Black Country spirit.

Organised by the Express & Star and supported by the Gough Group, six other Black Country-based companies helped sponsor the 12 awards which ranged from Volunteer of the Year to Outstanding Bravery, from Community Champion to NHS Hero and from Fundraiser of the Year to Community Champion.

A raffle was held which raised hundreds of pounds for nominated charity aphasia support, an organisation helping individuals with communication difficulties following brain injury or stroke.

Superbowl UK provided giveaways for the evening, including for every award winner two games of bowling and a welcome drink for up to six guests, plus two-for-one vouchers at every table.

Prizes included a tour of Pattingham Vineyard and tasting gift voucher, bespoke glassware from Allister Malcolm Glass and a cream tea for two voucher from Halfpenny Green Wine Estate.

Friends and families of the nominees and invited guests from across the region attended the glitzy event which saw trophies dished out to a selection of well-deserved winners who all, in their own unique way, remind us all of the difference we can make by indulging in the Black Country spirit that keeps our feet on the ground.

The event was hosted by radio personality and ‘Mr Wolverhampton’ Dicky Dodd who was visibly moved by some of the stories he read out.

It was an unforgettable evening filled with stories of courage, perseverance, and selflessness and the room full of people who have – through thick and thin – kept their chin up and cracked on, a character trait we pride ourselves on across our patch.

As the organiser the Express & Star sponsored the Special Recognition Award which went to husband and wife Erica and Brenda Moore who have dedicated years of service to the YMCA Black Country Group. Other sponsors and supporters of the awards were: K-SOC/Protect; NIS Group; Persimmon Homes’ The Sandwell College; Wolverhampton Homes and Star Scaffolding.

Just some of the winners included Emily Maher Butler who took the Young Star award after raising hundreds of pounds for charities including Prostate Cancer UK and Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and the Wellbeing and Mental Health champion Christian Dixon who since 1996 has supported disadvantaged children, young people, and adults across the UK.

Ellie Taylor and Finley Stevens were both named Children of Courage. Both have overcome physical adversity and shown remarkable resilience and bravery to do so.

Here are the winners, and their stories:

Future Star

Milton Xavier Yau

Milton is a 13-year-old competitive swimmer representing both City of Coventry and Evesham Swimming Clubs.

In just three years, he’s become a 37-time County Champion, a nine-time West Midlands Regional Champion, and the West Midlands Open Water Champion.

He has held the 100m freestyle title for three consecutive years, and after winning the 50m freestyle in 27.29 seconds, Milton was ranked British number one in his age group.

He’s also a two-time recipient of the County Overall Best Performer Trophy, and proudly serves as junior captain for the West Midlands ESSA squad.

Child of Courage award

Jointly won by Ellie Taylor and Finley Stevens

Ellie has shown extraordinary courage and resilience since being diagnosed with alopecia, facing both emotional and social challenges with grace and determination including standing before over 200 students to share her personal journey.

She has continued to attend school with unwavering commitment, balancing medical appointments while maintaining exceptional academic achievement.

Ellie said: “I was very relieved to stand before my fellow pupils and tell them what I had gone through and I would do it again.”

Finley dedicated the award to his mum and his school friends, saying they have done so much for him.

Young Star award sponsored by The Sandwell Colleges

Emily-Louise Maher-Butler

The award celebrates a young person who has gone above and beyond in achieving their goals despite facing challenges of their own.

Emily-Louise has raised hundreds of pounds for charities including Prostate Cancer UK, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, The Haven Women’s Refuge, and the All Stars Youth Clubs for SEN children and young adults.

She’s helped organise discos, karaoke nights, and a major community fundraiser at The Cabin Pub. Always kind, creative, and full of energy, Emily is a true role model – proving that no one is too young to make a difference.

Community Champion award sponsored by Persimmon Homes

Autism West Midlands – Walsall Befriending Service Volunteers

The service provides vital support to autistic adults who face barriers accessing community spaces, services, and relationships. Five volunteers together with staff-run seven groups across Walsall, helping reduce isolation and improve wellbeing.

Wellbeing and Mental Health Champion

Christian Dixon

His dedication to mental health spans nearly three decades. Since qualifying as a dramatherapist in 1996, he has supported disadvantaged children, young people, and adults across the UK and In 2014, he founded The Arts of Change and has led it to national and international acclaim – earning awards, launching innovative projects, and transforming lives.

In 2025, Christian was awarded the King’s British Empire Medal for his transformative impact on mental health in the West Midlands.

After receiving the award he said: “This has been an amazing night, but I wouldn’t be here without all my team who have helped me along the way who couldn’t be there tonight, I wouldn’t have been standing here tonight without them and all the client communities we support.

“All of the other three nominees were just as deserving of the award and I thank all those who nominated and supported me.”

The NHS Hero award sponsored by JW Gough Group

Volunteers of The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust

The group is the heartbeat of the trust, giving their time, energy, and compassion to support patients, staff, and the wider community. Whether assisting on wards, helping with events, fundraising, or simply offering a listening ear, their presence brings comfort, connection, and joy to those who need it most.

Speaking on behalf of the trust, Professor Martin Levermore MBE who is also deputy lieutenant of the West Midlands said: “It is great to see so many of the trust members here tonight. I admire all your compassion, support and professionalism on a daily basis and I am proud of every single one of you.”

Volunteer of the Year

Helen Leatherland

Helen, at 80, is Black Country Women’s Aid’s oldest volunteer. She is also the first person they call. For over a decade, Helen has been a tireless champion for survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, stalking, and modern slavery.

After receiving the award she said: “It has been a privilege over the last 10 years to support Black Country Women’s Aid and support the ladies who come in sometimes in the middle of the night with absolutely nothing,

“I never in a million years expected this, I have done it because I love it, the fundraising team I support and of course the people we help. Donations are always needed for them including toiletries and other items and we also help them when it is time to move in in applying for housing and things like that.”

Outstanding Bravery

Louis Johnson

This is an award which recognises an individual who has shown courage and bravery, perhaps in a difficult, maybe life-threatening situation and how they have overcome this adversity and trauma.

Louis has shown extraordinary courage and compassion. Despite years of living with a serious health condition that caused constant pain and exhaustion, he has never stopped helping others – supporting 18 charities and raising over £100,000.

Uniformed Hero sponsored by K-SOC/Protect

Oliver Anslow

A newly qualified firefighter of just one month on call, he has faced new challenges with courage, composure, and an unwavering commitment to protecting others.

At one house fire, after the flames were out and the danger passed, he quietly offered food, drinks, and toys to the family affected, bringing comfort in a moment of chaos.

Fundraiser of the Year

Alexander Goodger

He has shown exceptional vision, tenacity, and heart in rescuing a forgotten masterpiece of Black Country heritage.

After decades of failed attempts, he secured vital funding for the Stourbridge Glass Museum where he is director, to restore part of the Churchill Screen — a 12-metre glass artwork shattered by vandals in 1984 and unseen by the public for over 33 years.

Host Dicky Dodd commented that the screen was older than Alexander, who himself jokingly asked the audience for a spare £350,000 to help complete the project.

Environmental Champion Award sponsored by WHG

Allister Malcolm Glass Ltd

The Wordsley-based company is run by two visionary artists – Terri and Alister Malcolm – whose work has redefined sustainability in the glass industry.

The founders of the UK’s first all-electric glass studio, this duo has dramatically reduced carbon emissions while maintaining exceptional artistic standards – proving that innovation and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

Special Recognition Award, sponsored by the Express & Star

Eric and Brenda Moore from YMCA Black Country Group

The couple, both in their late 80s and married for more than 60 years have given more than 120 years combined service to the YMCA in the Black Country.

Their energy, wisdom, and generosity have shaped the lives of countless individuals across the Black Country. Their work has included securing a new site at Carters Green in the mid-60s and leading its transformation into a thriving hub of activity and accommodation and shaping the very foundations of what is now the flagship building of YMCA Black Country Group.

Presenting the award, Express & Star editor Mark Drew said: “Together, they’ve chaired committees, built partnerships, and navigated challenges — all while raising a family and leading a successful multinational business. Their energy, wisdom, and generosity have shaped the lives of countless individuals across the Black Country.

“They embody what these awards are about, the hard working and dedicated nature of people and volunteers from across the Black Country area we serve.”