On Friday all the judges for the Ely Standard Sports Awards came in to judge the entries and were faced with the incredibly difficult task of picking three finalists for each category from the large amount of entries that we had. I knew that sport achieve

On Friday all the judges for the Ely Standard Sports Awards came in to judge the entries and were faced with the incredibly difficult task of picking three finalists for each category from the large amount of entries that we had. I knew that sport achievement in East Cambridgeshire was of a high standard and we are all aware of our top sports men and women and the talented bowlers and footballers who we read about each week, but in some ways this is only half the story. In fact, what was more humbling and more interesting was the stories behind the nominations. There were some fantastic examples of courage and determination and training regimes that would leave most of us in a heap on the floor. The list of finalists is on Page 5 and I can't wait to meet everyone on the night and see the faces of those who have been chosen as the worthy winners of their categories. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has taken the time to nominate someone, to all the judges and sponsors who have given up their time, and special thanks to the staff at East Cambs Sport, especially Phil Turner, who have been so supportive and helpful in the last few weeks.

A man called Mr Larkin came into the office to see me a few days ago and as I wasn't here so he left a note. He told me I was very brave to have given my second pint of blood, and he himself gives blood even though he is petrified of needles. The difference between me and Mr Larkin, who I have the utmost respect for, is that he has now given 87 pints of blood. Well done to you sir!

I hope the photographs of Joshua in the helicopter this week have warmed your heart. It never fails to amaze me just how many kind people there are out there who are prepared, even in economically difficult times, to dip in their pockets for charity or just spare some time to help someone else, particularly if that person is unknown to them. We first ran the story of Joshua a few weeks ago, and since then, hundreds of 'get well' cards have been pouring into the office, as well as presents and messages. I would also like to say a personal 'thank you' to Kevin Fox who arranged the helicopter trip.