This Just In!
Back in September, our very own Martin was nominated for a BBC Make a Difference Award in the green category, primarily for his work at Rooted. I remember his sheepish phone call, as humbled as he always appears, when he invited me to the ceremony at Scunthorpe’s Bath Hall for some extra moral support. Our utter shock on hearing Martin’s name being called out as the winner was memorable to say the least.
Last week, the awards celebrated their 5th birthday and we were invited, alongside all the winners from the last 5 years, to the BBC studios in Hull for a little birthday party and a tour behind the scenes.
Friend of Rooted in Hull, Kofi Smiles was broadcasting live as he interviewed Martin and all the other winners. Martin and Kofi were recently strapped together in a 3-legged race across the city for last year’s Children in Need, so they had plenty to chat about whilst Martin set about the task of raising awareness of our Rooted in Hull work!
Martin left me as the remaining Rooted representative after his interview ended as he had another engagement to attend to, which meant I got to do all the fun stuff. The fun stuff? Well, I met some truly amazing, awe-inspiring people who left a lasting impression with me as we sat about scoffing cakes and nibbles and shared stories about the different types of work we do that has led to the community’s nominations.
It was the young folk I remembered most, including Jax, my new pal from Grimsby. Jax lives with a stoma, we spent about as long as it took me to write those words discussing it. I instantly forgot, the moment I realised he was laughing in all the right places at all my jokes! You’ll do for me Jax!
Next, I met Emily, for the second time, a profoundly deaf young girl that practically stole the show with her boundless energy at the awards ceremony and was no different at the birthday bash. I managed a fist bump before her mum, Tanya, indirectly made me realise that I would like to learn sign language. Mission accomplished Emily!
Finally, the icing on the birthday cake was not the cake at all, although that was sugary and sweet enough. We all sat on Peter Levy’s red BBC Breakfast style sofa and I managed to secure myself the position of anchor! (I think I just wanted it a little more!!) Sifting through some of Mr Levy’s belongings left under his famous desk, I found an old script from the previous day’s broadcast, got my new mate Jax to play the co-host and using my best Trevor McDonald, I made my announcement.
“This is the News!”
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