Anthony Martindale our first Urban Hero

A servant-hearted teenager, from Harpurhey in Manchester, was named the first ever ‘Urban Hero of the Year’ at our prestigious Urban Hero Awards ceremony on 18 July 2008 at Manchester United’s Old Trafford home.

18-year-old Anthony Martindale was presented with the Urban Hero of the Year Award by the High Sheriff of Manchester, Mrs Edith Conn. Earlier in the evening Anthony had also been announced as the winner of the Volunteer Award.

Local dignitaries, including Lord Mayor of Manchester Cllr Mavis Smitherman and several hundred business people and celebrity guests, gathered to honour young achievers from Manchester who have made a difference to their communities.  Each award winner has overcome serious obstacles in their lives – drug addiction, tough backgrounds, loss of parents and family – to emerge as heroes to their family and friends.

Anthony scooped the top award because of his amazing attitude towards needy people in his community. He works ‘behind-the-scenes’ to improve his local community in many different ways.

Anthony’s life started turning around when he came into contact with a volunteer on a Harpurhey-based Eden project. Despite a tough background and involvement with drink and drugs in his earlier years, Anthony is now a positive role model for younger boys attending a local youth club he helps to run.

The Urban Hero Awards celebrated young people who have been impacted by The Message Trust’s work in schools, communities and prisons across Greater Manchester.

Other winners included a former drug addict and offender now a husband and father in full-time education and a team of young entrepreneurs who have set up a pioneering fairtrade cooperative.