Mike Neal

Nominated for inspirational work through life-long dedication to voluntary work on a national, regional and local level including: Counsellor for 'Off the record' Dedication to scouting through his entire life including as Group Scout Leader, volunteer campsite warden and founder of the 10th Middlesbrough Scout Group North East co-ordinator for Operation Raleigh,10 years Volunteer in many aspects of the running of the local church including role of steward, covenant secretary, PCC member and assisting those less able to get to church Foster carer, 6.5 years Carer for 20 years for George,31, who has a Severe and enduring mental illness. George, who has little other support, backs this nomination saying 'he has stuck by me through thick and thin'. Following a 45 year career at ICI, Mike was made redundant. His initial reaction was despair. However, in an attempt to gain something positive from something so negative, he took this opportunity to start his own business which has grown from strength to strength and which demonstrates his ability to strive beyond his personal best. This is of particular relevance to Teeside at present when looking for people of inspiration to the local community. An excellent role model, who demonstrates important moral beliefs and who makes a real difference to the local community, I believe Mike to be one of Teesside's unrecognised and unsung heroes and am able to provide many more examples to support this nomination.