YOUR Echo, working in partnership with Southend's Grosvenor Casino, has launched a campaign to celebrate the community heroes of south Essex.

Whether it’s a brilliant mum, a dad-in-a-million, a tireless volunteer or an inspiring teacher, we want to say thank you.

The awards, sponsored by Grosvenor Casino, in Church Road, Southend, will recognise the quiet, unsung heroes, who don’t get the recognition they deserve.

Nine categories will crown the best parents, carers, charities and even pets of the year.

Kevin Harrison, casino customer service manager, said: “Grosvenor Casino Southend is pleased and honoured to be supporting the community awards this year.

“Having only been open for a year, we have been astounded by the support to our business from the local community and this is a way of saying thanks for the support.

“On a personal note, having lived in the area for the last 17 years, I know that there are many unsung heroes whose contributions to the community may go unnoticed.

“The awards are a great way to acknowledge what people do for the local community.

“If you know of someone that you feel deserves an award please make sure you get your nominations in to give them a chance to be recognised for their contribution to the community.

“I’m looking forward to hearing all the great stories and meeting the finalists. I’m sure that picking the winners will be a very difficult process.”

As part of the awards, we’re asking you to nominate your community heroes. Tell us why they deserve to be nominated and we will select the winners, who will receive a spcial selection of prizes.

Chris Hatton, Echo editor, said: “There are stories of inspirational deeds, incredible determination and dedication on our pages on a regular basis.

“But I am sure there are still so many untold stories and unsung deeds which deserve proper recognition.

“Please send in your nominations and tell us all about your friends, family members and colleagues who really exemplify the very best about our area.”

WHY ARE WE LAUNCHING THE COMMUNITY AWARDS?

THE Echo is launching our community awards to recognise people in the community that work hard and go above and beyond the call of duty.

In 2013, we ran our Inspirational Woman competition to highlight and celebrate the brave, couragous and dedicated.

Holly Davies who came second in the competition said it is important to highlight these people.

Holly, 29, of Ambleside Walk, Canvey said: “I think competitions like the ones run by the Echo are good because it gives people the recognition that they need.

“Some people who do great work aren’t aware of the difference they make or how great they are. I was much like this. I nursed my mum through cancer, and I didn’t think anything of it.

“I thought it was my duty as her daughter. It can also help people who are in a similar situation as the person who is highlighted.

“It can give people the strength to carry on and help them if they can see and hear about other who maybe going though similar tough times or situations.

“Also competitions like this can help to highlight and recognise those people who do go above and beyond the call of duty.”

Mrs Davies has never let the fact that she has Cerebral palsy hold her back.

She is an adventurous lady who has climbed mountains in Ecuador for the Beyond the Boundaries TV programme.

Tragically she found out that her mum had breast cancer, and was by her side for three months before she sadly passed away, back in September 2013.

While this was all going on Holly, at the age of 27, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and she has continued to stay positive and look to the future.

The Mayor of Southend was firmly behind the awards.

Andrew Moring said: “It is great the Echo holds this competition and because the newspaper covers such a wide area so will the competition.

“Sometimes these people don’t want recognition and will say they didn’t do it for the recognition but it is nice for the family to recognise these people.

“I think it can also inspire people to do good acts.”

Mike Horton from the Eastgate Shopping Centre, Basildon said: “I think it is a tremendous idea to reward people who are unsung heroes.

“A lot of people do a lot of good things and we don’t always hear about it. It is important because these people have made such a difference to people’s lives.”

CATEGORIES:

  • Mum of the year
  • Dad of the year
  • Family of the year
  • Carer of the year
  • Nurse of the year
  • Teacher of the year
  • Charity of the year
  • Volunteer of the year
  • Pet of the year

HOW TO ENTER: TO nominate a person or organisation, simply sum up in 100 words why you believe they deserve to win.

After entries close, our judges will decide on a shortlist for each category and we will feature their stories in the Echo. Winners will then be picked and receive their prizes.

To enter, send us the name of your nominee, 100 words on why they should win, along with your name and phone number:

  • By emailing david.giles@nqe.com
  • By sending a private message to Echo Essex on Facebook
  • By filling in the application form on this page and posting it to us

Echo community heroes application form.docx