Nominations have opened in the search for Somerset’s unsung heroes, hosted by Somerset Day, which has launched the initiative ‘Somerset Heroes’, in recognition of those inspirational community champions, fundraisers and carers who work tirelessly behind the scenes, often without the recognition they deserve.
Somerset Heroes will honour those who have worked selflessly for a good cause, overcome great odds or made sacrifices above and beyond the call of duty. The individuals nominated may have raised funds for charity, shown courage in dealing with an illness or battled through a traumatic experience, perhaps exhibited incredible bravery in the face of adversity – or even simply helped a friend through a low point.
Your chosen nominees may be an individual who is young or old, but they will have worked selflessly for others or inspired their community in some way. Judges would like to see strong evidence of how Somerset Heroes have shown great character and fortitude in their life.
If YOU know someone who lives or works within the beautiful county of Somerset, and who you feel is deserving of a Somerset Heroes award, simply visit the Heart website at Heart.co.uk and make your nomination – it’s as easy as that.
There are four categories to choose from:
The Inspiration to Others Award – Is there someone in your community who tirelessly helps others? This might be a teacher, care worker, parent, policeman or a neighbour. They could come from any walk of life, be employed or not, young or old – there are no boundaries, just a special person whose existence benefits others.
The Young Person of the Year Award –
This award is for someone under 18 who has achieved something special whether in their own life (e.g. overcoming adversity) or by assisting others. Something that sets them apart and deserving of recognition.
The Hero of the Hour Award – This award is for a single, one-off event or act which made a significant difference. It could be a quick-thinking response which saved a life or an initiative which helped an entire community. This is for a stand-out act of bravery, courage or achievement.
The Pet Hero Award – We are fully aware of the importance of the role in which pets play in enriching our lives, and wanted them included in a category. Are you aware of a dog, cat, horse – any animal – which should be celebrated for its bravery, dedication, resilience or care?
Short-listed individuals will be invited to the Somerset Day celebrations on May 11th in Taunton (Taunton Methodist Church – www.somersetday.com), where winners will be announced, and a more intimate celebratory dinner is also planned to honour winners and dignitaries in June. In attendance will be the panel of judges including Nigel Muers-Raby of Pardoes Solicitors and Chairman of Passion for Somerset, Richard Clothier of Wyke Farms and Passion for Somerset Board Director and a representative from Heart West Country.
Chairman of Passion for Somerset, (the organisation behind Somerset Day), Nigel Muers-Raby says:
“There are some really inspirational people in our community who go above and beyond, dedicating their own time and efforts to benefit the communities in which they live, and these awards will be all about honouring them. We want the public to share unique stories and tell us why those individuals deserve to win so we can give them the recognition they deserve.
“It might be someone who has risked their life to help save another person, or a friend who has helped someone through a low point or someone who has devoted incredible time and energy to charitable causes. We have also brought in our most Heroic Pet, as there is no doubt that animals enrich our lives, and there are some inspirational stories of how a pet has saved lives or acted with incredible bravery to help another person”.
For more information on Somerset Day, please visit www.somersetday.com or follow the hashtag on social media: #LoveSomerset and #SomersetHero. For those who like to become more directly involved, email [email protected] for further information.