Meet our stars of 2023 – a celebration of the people who make a difference and shine brightly in our communities.
From Kettering, Corby, Wellingborough and Rushden, we have loved looking back at stories featured in the Northants Telegraph over the past 12 months of amazing people who go the extra mile, support those in need or are an inspiration to others.
We’ve also got several local businesses who have put the north of the county on the map this year.
We’ve included the campaigners who have fought so hard to save a row of ‘cherished’ trees in Wellingborough, fundraisers who have made their final donation to KGH to help those undergoing treatment for breast cancer and a group working tirelessly to rid the county’s streets of knife crime.
Also included are a global singing sensation with a very bright future ahead of her, an inspirational super slimmer from Wellingborough and a Kettering barber who has been cutting hair for 40 years!
They have all made a difference to the lives of others and we are proud to have shared their stories with our readers during the year.
And we will continue to share plenty of stories like this in 2024 so if you have a tale to tell, get in touch by emailing [email protected].
5. NT Stars of 2023: Hilmi Say
The Northants Telegraph included Hilmi Say, the Corby firefighter that the town has rallied behind in his fight against stage 4 cancer, as one of our Stars of 2023. The doting father and loving husband never gave up despite being told he had just 18 months to live. He wanted to give himself a chance of living further and raise money for special treatment abroad. Countless fundraisers were held for Hilmi as he kept fighting, but sadly Hilmi died just before Christmas - we still wanted to recognise him as one of our stars of the year and our love and thoughts go out to all his family and friends at this time Photo: Submitted
6. NT Stars of 2023: Gaziano & Girling
Kettering-made shoes fit for a King were at the heart – and sole – of the coronation as King Charles III chose to wear a pair of bow pumps made by Kettering's Gaziano & Girling for the historic occasion this year. Gaziano & Girling were asked to adapt a pair they had already made by adding buckles to the veal-calf patent leather bespoke ‘Lancaster’ design. What a wonderful way to put Kettering on the map with a starring role at the King's coronation! Photo: National World
7. NT Stars of 2023: Beccy Hurrell and Lindsey Atkins
Beccy Hurrell and Lindsey Atkins have big plans for Kettering’s former Gala Bingo hall - they want to transform the historic High Street building into a community hub with a gig venue, cafe, shops and more. They are working hard on their plan, which is dependent on grants, match funding and fundraising. There is a lot of support for their plans and we wish them all the best in making this dream a reality! Photo: File picture
8. NT Stars of 2023: Golden Years
Golden Years is committed to being ‘the number one youth club for recycled teenagers’ and they certainly bring a smile to many people's faces! The charity, based at Kitty’s Closet in Earls Barton, is a space for locals to socialise, take part in outlandish activities, and get together with like-minded people. The work of groups like this is so important, especially at this time of year, and we salute them for all they do in reaching out and helping beat social isolation - the group is all about fun and friendship and they provide such an important lifeline to many in the Wellingborough area Photo: National World