Who Can You Nominate As A Local Hero?
Pictured: Last year's Local Heroes winners joined Mayor of Hillingdon Allan Kauffman, and special guest Paralympic gold medalist Natasha Baker (third from left) at the gala awards ceremony at Uxbridge College's Hayes campus.
Do you know someone who should join the ranks of Hillingdon's Local Heroes? UXbridge College and the Gazette newspaper are proud to announce nominations for the Local Heroes Awards 2014 are now open.
Over the next few weeks, we want to hear from you about someone you know who has made a real difference.
That person might be a carer, a dedicated fundraiser, someone who runs a group, has overcome adversity and battled back against the odds, or carried out a single act of courage you think is worthy of recognition. Perhaps they are the ‘roll your sleeves up’ type, who organises community events and helps bring people together, or always the first to volunteer. They might run a club or society or youth group, be a member of a social or carer network, or work in the charity sector.
These will be our heroes, and the judges will face the tough task of selecting 10 of them for our £50 prizes. From those we will choose five Superheroes for £200 cash prizes, and from those the Superhero of Hillingdon. That person will receive an additional £500 prize. Certificates for ‘Highly Commended’ nominees will also be awarded at the judges’ discretion.
The winners will be honoured at a gala awards ceremony and reception at Uxbridge College’s Hayes campus.
This year, we have made a few changes to the nomination format, to make it even easier for you to put forward your friends and relatives for the recognition they deserve.
We are inviting nominations in just two overall categories – adult, and 18 and under – with the categories of previous years as your guideline. So think of carers, courageous citizens, community heroes and fabulous fundraisers, and young people who have really made a difference.
Laraine Smith, Principal of Uxbridge College, said: “There is no doubt in my mind that Local Heroes is a key event in the borough’s annual calendar and a brilliant way to recognise some of its most remarkable residents.
“There are plenty of people going about their business, quietly supporting others and contributing to their communities, who would never think of themselves as heroes - but this is exactly what they are and I feel sure their friends and family would agree with me.
“It is so easy to nominate online or in writing, so tell us who you think should win now!”
Alan Hayes, Gazette News Editor, said: "It has been a busy and often challenging 12 months since we last opened nominations for the Gazette and Uxbridge College's Local Heroes Awards.
"The economy is picking up now, but we know many of our readers have faced a tough time in the past year.
"When money is tight, fundraisers must work twice as hard. Carers face the demands placed upon them by welfare restrictions, and communities have come under threat from the challenges of HS2 and the third runway at Heathrow Airport.
"At the same time, opportunities for young people to shine have perhaps never been greater, through myriad societies, clubs and organisations intended to bring out the best in our youth.
"This is fertile ground from which Local Heroes grow. Please make sure you recognise these most deserving of individuals."
Nominees must live, work or volunteer in Hillingdon Borough to be eligible for the competition.
Uxbridge College students and staff can nominate friends and family but cannot be nominated themselves.
* To nominate go to http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/news/local-news/tell-superheroes-who-deserve-recognition-6694250