Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year nominee – Antony Capostagno

Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year nominee – Antony Capostagno

Antony Capostagno is dedicated to improving the lives of the people of Biddulph.

The 55-year-old has been the manager of Biddulph Youth and Community Zone for more than 25 years and regularly goes above and beyond the call of duty to help the local community.

He and his team of four staff and 30 volunteers run a wide range of projects including youth groups that attract around 100 young people for each session, inclusion groups and food projects to support people in need. They also provide information, guidance and aim to help people of any age.

There is a community garden, run entirely by volunteers, that helps with wellbeing and grows food to support anyone who needs it.

The community garden and centre were hit by an arson attack in May but the local community rallied around to make repairs.

Antony has been nominated as a Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year in the Your Heroes Awards by Nicola Stanway.

Nicola said: “Ant is the pillar of Biddulph community. He has worked tirelessly for over 25 years to improve the lives of so many people including children and families in Biddulph.

“He works permanently at Biddulph Youth and Community Zone, dedicating evenings and weekends to support the many people who use the facilities.

“He never asks for any thanks or gets any credit for what he has achieved over the many years.
He’s a real hero in Biddulph and a true unsung hero.”

Antony said: “I’ve never been nominated for anything like this before. I enjoy what I do and that’s why I keep doing it, but it’s quite nice to hear that people do appreciate what you do. It was quite overwhelming to hear the words that Nicola said about me.”