Ely Hero Awards 2018: Deadline looms for nominations - get your unsung heroes recognised

The deadline for entries to celebrate the achievements of inspirational individuals throughout the city is this Friday.

Over the past few weeks the Ely Hero team at Metro Rod Cambridge have been out and about promoting the campaign – which is run in conjunction with the Ely Standard.

Posters, flyers and leaflets have been displayed in local shops and tweeted on social media.

Dozens of entries have been received for the awards, with ten categories to nominate in – from those who have helped look after neighbours through trying times or shop workers who have put a smile on the face of customers on a Monday morning.

The judging panel will shortlist three nominations that will be invited to an award ceremony at The Maltings on June 25.

Judges will include councillor and ex-mayor, Lis Every, Gill Prangnell, from Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce and Jeff Hide, from Ely Hereward and Rotary Club.

Organisers say that this year’s event has been bigger and better with lots of local businesses pledging their support for the feel-good community celebration.

This week, Sarah Burton has been nominated as Colleague of the Year by one of her team.

Her colleague writes: “I am nominating my team leader because she is an inspiration. No challenge is too big and she is amazing and passionate about her job. I am a fairly new member to the team and she has helped me grow and learn and continues to do so. She pushes me to do well and achieve.”

A Sporting Hero nomination has also gone to Alan Rutterford, who is head coach at Ely Runners.

In his entry, it says: “He is super encouraging of all runners but comes into his own with the juniors, offering advice, suggesting events for them to try and really helping them improve.

“His hard work is paying dividends with many other junior runners as the club has had its best finish on the cross country league.”

To nominate a hero in your area by this Friday, visit: www.elyheroawards.org.uk/