YO1 Radio Sports Awards: The Cain North Community Hero Award

The Cain North Community Hero Award

The Cain North Community Hero Award has been created in memory of Cain North, whose courage, kindness and determination left a lasting mark on York and North Yorkshire.

Cain was just 22 when he was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour, glioblastoma, in April 2023, after suffering seizures. A personal trainer from York, Cain had undergone two brain operations and radiotherapy and was given the devastating news that he had just a year to live.

Despite this, Cain chose to use his time to help others. Alongside his family and friends, he raised thousands of pounds for Brain Tumour Research, determined to make a difference and to help fund research that could one day lead to a cure. Cain also bravely shared his story publicly, helping to raise awareness of this devastating disease and inspiring countless people across the region with his honesty, strength and positivity.

Sadly, he passed away in January 2026. We remember Cain as we continue our work to raise awareness of this devastating disease. He will forever be in our hearts.

THE FINALISTS

We have now announced all of the finalists for the Cain North Community Hero Award at the YO1 Radio Sports Awards. This award celebrates individuals who go above and beyond to make a lasting difference in their communities through sport, inclusion and opportunity.

And the finalists are…

Calum McKenzie
Calum runs Football Fun Factory York, delivering inclusive football sessions for hundreds of children each week. His work focuses on enjoyment, confidence and development, creating a positive environment for players and coaches alike.

Leigh Paul-Rientoul
Leigh has dedicated more than three decades to Rugby League as both a player and coach, impacting grassroots, representative and international levels. His work has helped develop players, support teams and grow the sport across generations.

Stephen Machen
Stephen leads Scarborough Athletic Community Trust, making sport more accessible through inclusive programmes including disability football, walking football and school initiatives. His work has had a wide-reaching impact across the community.

Louise Prashad
Louise is an inspirational athlete and speaker who uses her journey through organ donation and elite sport to inspire others. Her work across charities and disability sport has raised awareness, built opportunities and changed lives.

Award Description

This award celebrates individuals who reflect the spirit Cain showed through sport:

• Using sport to bring people together

• Raising others up through action and attitude

• Showing strength, kindness and leadership

• Making a lasting impact on their club, team or community

The Cain North Community Hero Award is for someone who goes beyond performance on the pitch. It recognises those who:

• Give their time to support others through sport

• Inspire teammates and communities through their actions

• Use sport as a force for good

• Show resilience, kindness and generosity

By honouring this award in Cain’s name, we celebrate not only his legacy, but the power of sport to change lives and build stronger communities — just as Cain did.

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU ON JUNE 8TH!

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YO1 Radio Sports Awards 2026 – Nomination Terms & Conditions

1. Nominations for the YO1 Radio Sports Awards 2026 are open to individuals, teams, clubs, schools, and organisations based in or representing North Yorkshire.

2. The nomination period will close at 11:59pm on Tuesday 30th April 2026. Any nominations received after this time will not be considered.

3. All nominations must be submitted via the official YO1 Radio Sports Awards nomination form. Incomplete or illegible entries may be deemed invalid.

4. Supporting evidence such as photos, certificates, or documents may be uploaded as part of the nomination. By submitting these materials, you confirm that you have the right to share them and give YO1 Radio permission to use them for judging and promotional purposes.

5. Nominees may be contacted for verification or additional information as part of the judging process.

6. Shortlisted nominees will be selected by a judging panel appointed by YO1 Radio. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

7. YO1 Radio reserves the right to move nominations into an alternative category where appropriate.

8. By submitting a nomination, you confirm that the information provided is true to the best of your knowledge.

9. Personal data will be used solely for the purpose of administering the awards and will be handled in accordance with data protection legislation.

10. Tickets for the YO1 Radio Sports Awards ceremony on Monday 8th June 2026 will be released at a later date. Submitting a nomination does not guarantee a ticket to the event.

11. YO1 Radio reserves the right to amend or withdraw categories and these Terms & Conditions at any time.