INSPIRATIONAL Kidderminster golden girl Claire Cashmore helped honour Wyre Forest heroes who’ve gone the extra mile to help disabled people.

The Paralympic gold and silver medallist was the special guest speaker at this year’s No Barriers Mike Oborski Awards, held at Community Housing Group’s Foley Park offices last night (Thursday, October 20).

This was the 28-year-old swimmer’s first official engagement after returning home from Rio following the games the day before the ceremony.

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

The aim of the annual 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 18 awards were handed out by Councillors Fran Oborski and Nicky Gale. The ceremony also featured an introductory speech from Community Housing Group chief executive Ray Brookes and it was closed by Wyre Forest District Council chairman Councillor Rose Bishop.

Miss Cashmore told the captivated audience how she overcame the odds to pursue her dream of standing on the winning podium at a Paralympics. She also took questions about her career and her success at the Rio Games last month and posed for dozens of photographs.

She told The Shuttle: “No Barriers is amazing. It is really good and important to recognise those who go above and beyond for someone with a disability.

“It is individuals and businesses such as those receiving awards tonight that made such a difference to me when I was growing up with my disability. Without them, I would not be where I am today. They are the real stars.”

No Barriers chairman Councillor Fran Oborski said: “It was another superb No Barriers event made extra special by Claire Cashmore and her success story.

“My husband Mike, in whose memory the awards are given, would have been proud of the way the scheme has taken root in the community.

“It is very uplifting to hear what some people are doing to help others – simply because it is the right the right thing to do.”

Read more about Claire’s Rio Paralympic homecoming, by clicking here.

The full list of winners is:

*Elaine Ball, Emotions Dance Club

*Beverley Coldrick, Wyre Forest Community Transport

*Amanda Connor and Penny Bedworth, Tesco

*Adrian Llewellyn at Bishop’s Wood

*Tia and the Gatsby Emporium

*Richard and Lainey at the Cavalier Pub

*Elaine Ball and Eleanor Mouzer

*Denise Bedrock, WF & District MS Society

*Reel Cinema, Kidderminster

*The Windlass Cafe, Stourport-on-Severn

*Old Rose and Crown, Stourport-on-Severn

*The Brinton Arms, Stourport-on-Severn

*Trimmers Hair and Beauty

*Tom Ewins at KDYT

*Marks and Spencer, Kidderminster

*Kimberely Stokes

*Lickhill Manor Caravan and Camping Park

*Friends of Springfield Park, Kidderminster