PEOPLE and organisations from across Wyre Forest were honoured for going the extra mile to support people with disabilities at a prestigious awards ceremony.

The 10th annual No Barriers, Mike Oborski Awards were held at Wyre Forest House on Thursday (October 19) and saw 20 certificates being presented to members of the community.

Inspirational author, mentor and voice over artist Sas Freeman, who suffered two strokes seven years ago at the age of 45, was the guest speaker at the celebration event.

No Barriers was set up in honour of former Wyre Forest District Councillor Mike Oborski, who sadly died of cancer in 2007 aged 60.

The aim of the scheme, which is supported by The Shuttle, is to recognise individuals and organisations that have gone over and above the call of duty to support disabled people and make them feel part of the community.

This year, a total of 20 awards were handed out by Councillor Fran Oborski and Kidderminster Mayor Nicky Gale.

The ceremony also featured an introductory speech from Community Housing Group chief executive Ray Brookes and was closed by Wyre Forest District Council chairman Councillor David Little.

Former model Mrs Freeman, who is from Astley and previously worked in Television and film – including playing Emma Thompson’s body double in Brideshead Revisited – told guests how the strokes turned her world upside down and left her paralysed down her right side.

But the mother-of-one battled to overcome her physical difficulties and emotional strain to become a mentor for other stroke suffers around the world and published her book ‘Two Strokes Not Out’. She also set up a website and blog offering support to others.

She said: “I started looking on the internet to see what I could do to improve. I was not prepared to remain like that for the rest of my life.

“I managed to get in touch with many people in the same situation who wanted help. Social media was my saviour. I made friends all over the world who were in the same situation as me, looking for help and advice.

“I felt I needed to write a book about my experiences to raise awareness with money from sales of the book going to the Stroke Association.”

Councillor Oborski said: “Mike was my husband and he died in 2007. But in 2006, he decided to try to set up an annual awards scheme for individuals and organisations that go the extra mile for people with all kinds of disabilities.

“These are not just physical disabilities but also those we can’t see. Since 2007, we have gone from strength to strength with more nominations each year.”

The full list of winners are:

*Marks and Spencer café, Kidderminster

*Friends of Springfield Park & The Blossom Tree Café

*Chris Millington

*Audrey Darlington of Riverside Care Agency

*Phil Harris of Community Transport

*Elaine Ball and Eleanor Mouzer of Wheely Different Theatre Company

*Alison Coley-Smith of Reach

*Sarah Davis of Wyre Forest District Council

*Spar, Lower Lickhill Road

*Button Bridge Foods

*Nisa, Woodbury Road North

*Tesco, Severn Road, Stourport

*Co-op coffee shop, Stourport

*Faded to Fabulous Tearoom

*Bon Marche, Kidderminster

*Loom and Shuttle

*Caroline Caldwell & the volunteers at Stourport Civic Group

*Sports Development Team at Wyre Forest Leisure Centre

*Alan Steadman, Wyre Forest branch of Sight Concern Worcestershire

*Mike Randle & volunteers at Wyre Forest branch of Sight Concern