People have started to nominate their heroes in the first ever Ely Local Hero Awards.

Ely Standard: The area's newest community event - Ely Local Hero Awards - are being run in conjunction with Metrorod (Cambridge) and the Ely Standard.The area's newest community event - Ely Local Hero Awards - are being run in conjunction with Metrorod (Cambridge) and the Ely Standard. (Image: Archant)

With three weeks to go before nominations close there is still plenty of time to get nominating your hero.

There is nothing quite like a bit of recognition for a job well done, or for doing something for others in the spirit of the community.

And that is what t the Ely Hero Awards are all about - recognising those in our community who go that extra mile or who have achieved success, overcome adversity or done something special.

The awards run by MetroRod (Cambridge) in conjunction with the Ely Standard aim to shine a light on the area’s unsung heroes.

Ely Standard: Ely Hero Awards - sponsors' logos.Ely Hero Awards - sponsors' logos. (Image: Archant)

There are 10 categories to choose from but don’t be afraid to nominate someone for more than one. A shortlist of three will be drawn up for each category and the judging panel will choose from that list.

All finalists will be invited to attend the presentation cerermony at The Maltings on June 19 when the winners, including the overall Ely Hero Award, will be announced.

Entries are coming for all the categories, except for Best Parent - now there must be some wonderful parents out there, who have overcome adversity, or go that extra mile to help their children achieve their dreams - so tell us about them by nominating now.

Categories are: Smiliest Server sponsored by the Ely Standard; Best Parent sponsored by Red Shoes Accounting; Caring Champion sponsored by the CHS Group; Most Amazing Professional sponsored by Grovemere; Neighbour of the Year sponsored by Elyi Magazine; Community Champion sponsored by Ward Gethin Archer; Best Teacher Award sponsored Thorlabs; Child of Achievement sponsored by Puggles and Seahorse Swim Schools; Sporting Hero sponsored by Life Fitness; The Ely Hero Award sponsored by MetroRod.

for more on the category criteria visit: http://elyheroawards.org.uk/Among the Best Teacher nominees so far:

Christine Fadipe. She has been nominated by Cerys Seager who says: “She is an inspiration to me because I think she is unique, she teaches me to be myself and that I don’t have to follow the crowd. Her teaching methods are creative and interesting. I wish all teachers could teach like her!”

Janine Longley. She has been nominated by Naomi Sherwood who says: “I am nominating Nene for this award because formative years are crucial in a child’s development and the nurturing of this development is vital for a capable and rounded out child. Nene’s teaching and influence has benefited and inspired my child to be confident and incredibly social, skills that he will take with him for the rest of his life. Nene is very inspiring.”

Among the Smiliest Server nominees so far:

Steph Taylor. She has been nominated by Naomi Sherwood who says: “Steph has worked for Waitrose for 25 years and is a fabulous ambassador for them. She works on the welcome desk and is always, without exception polite, friendly, warm and very welcoming. Nothing is too much trouble for her.”

Phanalapa Alexander. She has been nominated by Lenka Koppova who says: “I love going to the Thai Lounge, especially because of Mam. She is excellent and hard working, she always smiles and warmly welcomes people. She is a single mother with a son of 12 years old and she’s an active member of the local community. It’s wonderful to chat with her on my visit, as it makes me feel like I’m part of the family!”

Jo Pearson. She has been nominated by Mark Jenkins who says: “Jo is the landlady of the triple award winning micropub in Ely which is the city’s best kept secret. When you come to the pub Jo welcomes you with a smile and always takes time to talk to you and takes an interest. Jo also spends time organising different activities for the local area including Aquafest and Christmas light switch on for Forehill and is also a city councillor.”

Among the Child of Achievement nominees so far:

Noah McGeough. He has been nominated by his mum Maria Salisbury who says: “I’m nominating my son Noah who is five as he’s my hero. He has cystic fibrosis. He never complains and does it all, even when he is very poorly. He is the happiest, funniest little boy with a great zest for life and always so brave. That’s why he’s my hero.”

Among the Sporting Hero nominees so far:

Tim Megginson. He is nominated by Charley Allen - who has also nominated Tim in the Community Champion category.

She says: “Around 10 years ago he was diagnosed with meningitis and was incredibly sick and spent a lengthy time in hospital and many months after recovering. As a result he decided to dedicate the rest of his life be being healthier and stronger. Retrained as a personal trainer and set up Body Shape Fitness Camp.

“Tim underwent a double hip laparoscopy in 2013 and had to learn to walk again and is unable to do some exercise. But he’s not given up and has adapted his own training to suit his injuries.”

Lynden Long. He is nominated by Anastasia Long who says: “I am nominating Lynden because, despite his age (six), he has been making terrific progress in sports: He is the youngest in Ely Paradise Pool’s history to have nearly completed the last stage of swimming course. He completed 100 lengths challenge in 1h 18mins and raised over £2,000 for Marie Curie.

“Lynden plays for two football pre-academies (Cambridge United and Norwich City) as well as local side Mepal. He also loves tennis and over the last year competed in tournaments representing Ely Tennis Club and 10is Academy.”

Rebecca Daniel. She is nominated by Steve Johnson who says: “Rebecca is a remarkably talented all-round athlete. She has won the 800 metres three times at national prep school level and since then has been to the All-England Schools athletics finals and the National Schools Cross Country representing Cambridgeshire. She plays hockey at National League level for Cambridge City, and is in the England Girls Development Squad. She is also very good at supporting and mentoring her team mates.”

Separate panel

Among the Most Amazing Professional nominees so far:

Nicola Riley. She is nominated by Naomi Sherwood who says: “Nicola is a dispensing technician at Boots in Ely. She also runs a special health management service within the branch that I attend. Nicola is consistently kind, caring and professional in her dealings with me. She has has given me the confidence and tools to achieve my health goals. Nicola is often in severe pain due to a chronic health condition but she never complains and soldiers on despite her own difficulties, always wanting to help others.”

Separate panel

Among the Ely Hero nominees so far:

Eunice Reddish. She is nominated by Bev Sweet who says: “Eunice is the person without which Ely Cathedral would not function. She is the ultimate volunteer and will be working in some capacity within the cathedral on a daily basis. She is a real cornerstone of the cathedral and her love for people and her faith always shine through, in her smile, her dedication and in just being the incredible person that is Eunice Reddish.”

Separate panel

Among the Community Champion nominees so far:

Joanne Coe. She has been nominated by Lindsay Cross and again by Emma Boughen who says: “Joanne does so much for the families of Littleport. She has formed and runs “Littleport Events” which runs events for families in the school holidays, youth café for those who aren’t quite teenagers and the youth club for teenagers. She has made such a difference to our community and I want her to know how much we appreciate all she does.”