The Percy Hedley Foundation is celebrating after being honoured twice at the 2016 NE Charity Awards.
The charity, which works to improve the lives of disabled children, young people and adults in the region, won the Uniquely North East category at the awards.
It was an amazing night for the charity, which was set up in 1953 by parents of children with cerebral palsy, as fundraiser Des Bustard was awarded Charity Leader of the Year after 21 years and millions raised as head of fundraising at the Foundation.
Members of staff from education, adult services and residential services and service users, received the award at the ceremony, which was held at the Newcastle Marriott in Gosforth and organised by The Journal.
The Uniquely North East category, sponsored by intu Metrocentre and intu Eldon Square, recognises ‘home-grown’ charities that are focused on supporting the local communities and that invest all funds raised back into the North East.
Fundraiser Des, who retired after 21 years with the Foundation in the summer, picked up the Charity Leader of the Year prize. The award was for an exceptional voluntary sector leader who has made an outstanding contribution to their organisation.
Chief Executive at The Percy Hedley Foundation, Carole Harder, said: “We are delighted to have won the Uniquely North East category at The NE Charity Awards 2016.
“The North East region has a diverse mix of local charities that have their roots planted firmly in our great region.
“It is truly humbling to have won this award alongside such impressive colleagues in the charity arena. It is a reflection of the amazing work of the whole Foundation team supporting people with a disability to achieve their aspirations.
“From education through to adult services and residential care we hope we have made a difference to disabled people’s lives. Winning such a prestigious award allows us to spread the message even further and to support more service users and their families, for which we are hugely grateful.
“We are absolutely delighted and very proud to see Des win Charity Leader of the Year. Des worked tirelessly for the Foundation for 21 years, bringing in vital funds which have enabled us to expand and improve the services we provide for disabled children, young people and adults.”