Winners - 2009
For the person who has done something truly outstanding in their lifetime. Sponsored by the Yorkshire Awards Committe
Diane Dernie - Richard Whiteley Special Award 2009
Presented
by Gary Verity, Chief Executive, Welcome to Yorkshire to Diane Dernie.
News that the government would bow to the outcry over its ‘insulting’ compensation plans for a young paratrooper horrifically injured in Afghanistan came as satisfying news to Diane Dernie, Lance Bombardier Ben Parkinson’s mother. The Ministry of Defence has signalled for the first time that it will review Ben’s case, whose injuries have left him disabled for life. The changes will lead to higher compensation for Ben and other similarly injured soldiers.
Diane’s campaigning for the rights of her son and others like him was instrumental in helping to change the Government’s thinking. This award acknowledges her remarkable commitment in the face of unbelievable adversity.