Best Solicitors were proud to sponsor an award at the Proud of Barnsley Awards 2022.

The awards were fantastic and gave an opportunity for the people of Barnsley to come together as a community, to recognise those who go the extra mile to help others and in turn, the community.

This year Best Solicitors sponsored the Special Recognition Award which was awarded to Mick Wale for his achievements and commitment to his community, even during some of the most difficult times in his personal life.

Having heard about Mick’s achievements, he could not be more deserving.  Please see below Mick’s story:-

“The recipient of this year’s Special Recognition Award has, quite literally, proven to be one of life’s real fighters.

He was given the most grim diagnosis by medical experts almost two decades ago.

They told him he faced spending the rest of his life in a wheelchair – and probably wouldn’t live much more than a decade.

The diagnosis that he was suffering from an aggressive form of spine cancer would have been enough to crush most people.

But he made a conscious decision that he still had plenty left to live and fight for – and instead of accepting what the doctors told him, he prepared himself for the fight of his life.

Almost 20 years on, he’s still here and, earlier this year celebrated his 60th birthday – a milestone that, in the darker moments, he must never have thought he’d live to see.

But the doctors certainly hadn’t factored in this man’s resilience, strength, and determination.

For more than three decades, he has been at the centre of his community and has helped hundreds of youngsters, teaching them discipline, a healthy lifestyle and self-defence.

Even just getting out of bed on a morning must be a struggle for him some days.

But somehow, he always manages it to take up his own personal chair in his boxing gym, encouraging young boxers to try to be the best they can be.

It’s a huge part of what keeps him going.

His personality and devotion has helped him to form lifelong bonds with generations of young people who credit him with putting – and keeping – them on the straight and narrow.

Three times a week he will be overseeing training at his gym and has a stable of youngsters ready to run through brick walls for him.

He has also taken a number of boxers to an elite level – bringing countless titles back to their humble Brampton base and earlier this year, in this very venue, promoted his 100th amateur boxing show.

These shows provide children with a chance to shine and show off their skills, all honed under his watchful eye.

A devoted family man, he is a husband, a father of three and a grandfather to seven boys who all describe him quite simply as ‘the most remarkable of men…”

Having heard Mick’s story and the difficulties he has overcome whilst showing unwavering commitment to his community, we feel absolutely inspired.

Our team had an amazing night and were honoured to be in such great company with local hero’s.

Well Done Mick Wale, all the nominees and award winners! – you truly make Barnsley Proud!