Coleraine woman is charity champion

The stars were out in force on Friday June 30^th to celebrate the Sunday Life Spirit of Northern Ireland awards in partnership with Ulster Bank where the charity champion award went to Coleraine local, Yasmin Geddis.  

Now in their 14^th year, the awards celebrate ordinary people who do extraordinary things to support their family, friends, and neighbours, and were held in a glitzy ceremony at the five-star Culloden Estate and Spa.

Among those in attendance to celebrate the winners and learn more about their incredible stories, were some of the most recognisable faces from the world of TV, film, music and sport. Actor Ciarán Hynes, Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody, TV personality Christopher Biggins and Oscar winner James Martin, were all there to pay tribute to the nominees and help them celebrate their remarkable achievements.

Guests were treated to performances by comedian Tim McGarry, a rousing rendition of ‘Is this the way to Amarillo?’ by pop legend, Tony Christie, and a special post-awards show by Ricky Warwick of Thin Lizzy.

The 7^th award of the night went to founder of the Zachary Geddis Break the Silence Trust in recognition of the work Yasmin has done around breaking the stigma around suicide and mental health conditions.

Yasmin impressed the judging panel, which was made up of Sunday Life Editor, Martin Breen, Ulster Bank’s Terry Robb, Tik Tok sensation, India Sasha and acting legend, Dan Gordon, with how she had founded the charity following the tragic death of her brother Zachary and found the courage to channel her grief into helping others facing a similar situation. The trust assists over 300 people in the local community each week and is now the biggest non-government funded community mental health organisation in the Coleraine area.

Yasmin received her award from Oscar winner and Mencap ambassador, James Martin.  

Terry Robb, Head of Personal Banking at Ulster Bank, the principal sponsor of the awards since 2020, said it was a huge pleasure to attend the awards on then night and learn more about the inspirational people living and working in towns and communities right across Northern Ireland.

“The Spirit of Northern Ireland awards are a fantastic way of celebrating our local heroes who make a real difference to the lives of others. Each year we get a snapshot of ordinary people who do extraordinary things and are humbled and honoured to partner with the Sunday Life to tell these stories.

“With branches and colleagues right across Northern Ireland, we know how powerful community spirit can be and how much can be achieved when we help each other and work together.  Championing the potential of local people and businesses is at the heart of Ulster Bank’s purpose and hearing so many inspirational stories at the Spirit awards encourages us to keep going with this mission.

“Congratulations to all of the winners, keep inspiring others with the great work that you do and we will continue to shine a light on you and the incredible organisations you represent.”

Other winners on the night included DCI John Caldwell who made his first public appearance following a dissident republican shooting attack to collect a Special Recognition Award and Gary Lightbody who received an Outstanding Contribution award, in recognition of his charity work through the Lightbody Foundation.