The Good Neighbour of the Year award celebrates people who go above and beyond to do the neighbourly thing in their local community.

The finalists this year are Margaret Malik, Steven Fisher and Kelly Keating-Robertson.

Kelly Keating-Robertson

Kelly’s nominator said: “Kelly is truly a selfless individual. She always puts the needs of others first. She sees a person in need and doesn’t say ‘someone should do something’, she becomes that someone and goes above and beyond to ensure they have the help and support they need. Her selflessness makes those around her want to be better people too.”

She said: “Kelly set up and leads the village neighbourhood watch and community police checkpoint, which she runs. She also runs the local youth cafe and has encouraged local young children to create a community orchard and garden. After discovering a local gentleman was struggling, she cleaned his house from top to bottom, rallied other villagers to provide essentials for him, ensured he got support from social services and helped him to claim PIP.

“She then set up a Sunday social for several vulnerable adults so they could have a hot meal and chat with others."

Kelly said: “I am both shocked and grateful to even be considered for this award, let alone be in with the finalists.  Denholme is an amazing village to live. If I can make a small difference to my community then I’ll do my very best to get the job done. 

“If I were lucky enough to win this award, it would be received with all the volunteers of Denholme in mind. Without us volunteers, Denholme wouldn’t be the village it is.”

Steve Fisher

Steve Fisher, of Wrose, was nominated by a neighbour, who said: “This 80 year old man goes above and beyond any other neighbour I have ever met. He is so kind, caring and compassionate and I feel privileged to know him.

“He has had two knee replacements in the past and recently another one but this does not stop him. He volunteers to literally do anything to help the community, delivering food parcels, sourcing furniture/goods for the disadvantaged and delivering them.”

In the past year Steve has delivered hundreds of food parcels to neighbours and families, and has cooked food for more than 60 children a day attending the HAF (Holiday Activities Fund). 

His nominator said: “Steve collects logs and wood to help his neighbours out with food poverty and literally does anything that the community needs. Steve lives on the edge of Wrose, Claremont park and due to the recent ASB and damage to the park he has taken it upon himself to be the local warden so to speak. 

“He is an amazing individual that deserves this award.” 

Margaret Malik

Margaret’s nominator said: “At 82 she walks everywhere rain or shine, works with Care Dynamics Yorkshire caring for the vulnerable and cleaning. In between working she looks after her grandchildren, runs a launderette, manages her tenancies, shops for others, saves animals and takes in stray cats - she’s like the local RSPCA. She feeds the foxes every night without fail.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: QR code to vote for Bradford's Community Stars Awards finalists for 2023QR code to vote for Bradford's Community Stars Awards finalists for 2023 (Image: Newsquest)

Finalists for Bradford's Community Star Awards

For 2023's awards, there are 10 categories in total.

Click the category to find out more about each finalist

How to vote

To vote for your local hero, please visit www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/CL68FHT or scan the QR code.

Voting will end at midnight on Tuesday, November 21.

Speaking on the selfless work highlighted in the awards, Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council, said: “We are fortunate that across the Bradford district we have many kind, compassionate and generous people who make a selfless contribution to their communities and have a huge, positive impact on our district. 

“There are some absolute stars in our community and it is great that these awards shine a light on these brilliant people and give them the thanks and recognition that they deserve.”