Ely Hero Awards 2018 launched - nominations are now open

Inspirational unsung heroes in Ely are set to be honoured for their dedication and hard work in the community.

Nominations are now underway for The Ely Hero Awards 2018, with gongs up for grabs in 10 categories.

More than 60 people attended the launch event at The Poets House on Monday night, with businesses, sponsors, civic dignitaries and special guest, Chris Parkhouse DL, also present.

Organised by drain care and repair specialists Metro Rod Cambridge - in partnership with The Ely Standard - it is the second year running for the community event.

There are 10 categories in which individuals can nominate their special ‘hero’ who lives or works in Ely and the surrounding villages, within a 10-mile radius.

Award categories are Smiliest Server, Colleague of the Year, Caring Companion, Most Amazing Professional, Neighbour of the Year, Community Champion, Best Teacher, Child of Achievement, Sporting Hero and The Ely Hero.

The judging panel will shortlist three nominations that will be invited to a glitzy 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 is set to be even bigger and better with lots of local businesses pledging their support for the feel-good community celebration.

Speaking at the launch Naomi Sherwood, business development manager, said: “There are so many reasons why we should all be proud to live and work in Ely and the surrounding villages. We have some of the most amazing people who live here, who work here and who make it one of the greatest cities.

“This year is already bigger and stronger, so together let’s keep it that way by searching out our heroes of 2018. Let’s be proactive of shouting from the rooftops about these awards.”

Kevin Russell, business owner of Metro Rod Cambridge, added: “We are very excited to be organising this event once again and are overwhelmed at the incredible support of other local businesses that have come on board to celebrate and reward our local heroes.

“We have been personally inspired by the reports of local people who do amazing things in the community, we feel these individuals should be rewarded, encouraged and celebrated.

“We would like to encourage everyone to nominate their local Hero in one of the categories. We know there are so many unsung heroes in our area and so many people who quietly help others, so please help us to search them out and reward them.

“Once again, the support, generosity and positivity from Ely’s businesses and the panel of judges have been fantastic.”

The nominated charity for the event this year will be Steel Bones UK, a local charity who support civilian amputees.

Emma Joy-Staines, founder, said they were ‘absolutely delighted’ to be part of the awards.

She explained: “It is fantastic to be nominated as the charity. It’s a fantastic idea. We have seen first hand what being nominated can do for people and we are all about representing real people with real needs.”

Editor of The Ely Standard, John Elworthy, praised the city’s community spirit as he addressed the crowd at the launch.

He said: “You only have to walk through the city to see how people go out their way to make it a positive and welcoming community.

“We are honoured to be part of this and encourage people to get out there and nominate.”

Business category sponsors include Grovemere Property, Elyi Magazine, Life Fitness, Thorlabs, Crown Garage Honda, Ely Gin Ltd, Xpert Resourcing and Kings School.

Nominations can be made via the website at www.elyheroawards.org.uk.

Or visit the Facebook page at https://m.facebook.com/elyheroes or join in with the tweets @elyheroes.

There will also be entry via a coupon in the newspaper, with all nominations listed on a weekly basis.