Community Awards: Pipe up for the unsung heroes

Our search for stalwarts who go out of their way to make life better for others gets under way again this year.

WE all know of an unsung hero in our midst – the kind of person who quietly goes out of their way to make life better for others without ever expecting anything in return.

Well the Evening News wants to hear about those selfless individuals so we can give them the recognition that all their hard work deserves.

Today, following the success of last year's inaugural Evening News Community Awards, we are launching a new search for Edinburgh's greatest givers – the people who make the biggest difference to other people's lives.

We want you to nominate someone you feel has gone that extra mile to improve life, whether that be for one other person or an entire community. Tony Cairns, 38, from Gorebridge, knows how much it means to be recognised for something he does without a second thought.

He won the Best Carer award last year in our inaugural ceremony in recognition of his loving devotion to his wife Eleanor, 33, who was diagnosed with ME in 2004.

The father of two cares for Eleanor, who is easily exhausted and often needs assistance with basic tasks such as dressing and getting in and out of the bath.

He takes charge of the housework and their two daughters, as well as holding down a job in Dalkeith as a care assistant.

Tony says winning the Evening News award, after being nominated by Eleanor, was a huge lift and a wonderful surprise.

"I was really chuffed and surprised I'd won," he says, "I honestly thought there were people in Edinburgh deserving it more than I did for the work they do for their spouses or friends.

"My wife is still the same and I am still looking after her and doing the housework. My daughters are a great help too – it's a family effort."

The Cairns display Tony's crystal award on the mantelpiece alongside a photograph from the Evening News awards ceremony. "I would encourage people to nominate others for an award," adds Tony.

"I just take looking after Eleanor as an everyday thing I do, but it's a great honour to be acknowledged." Last year's awards also recognised the role that shopkeepers can play as a cornerstone of their communities by recognising the efforts of Ijaz Nazir.

Last year's winner in the Best Shop category, Mr Nazir, 44, owns Jaz Licensed Grocer in Niddrie Marischal Place.

The father of three was honoured for his involvement in building community ties and encouraging youngsters into sport. "It was a prestigious award for me and afterwards many friends and customers came to congratulate me. It was a big honour," says Mr Nazir.

He has kept up his work with local youngsters, taking them to play cricket on Sundays at the Jack Kane Centre or on the Meadows.

"Recognition encourages people to do better work for their community because it shows appreciation," he adds.

"The Evening News took a big step to honour unsung heroes in the community and I would encourage people again this year to nominate."

The Evening News Community Awards are being supported by the Post Office.

Julie Morrison, head of external relations at Post Office Ltd in Scotland, said: "Post Office Ltd is delighted to be supporting the Evening News Community Awards for the second time.

"Many of our subpostmasters already work tirelessly to support their local communities in their daily roles and will also be supporting these awards.

"Last year we were amazed at the extraordinary stories of people who play such an important part at the heart of their communities, and we look forward to hearing this year's winners' stories."

John McLellan, editor of the Evening News, added his encouragement to people to nominate their local heroes for an award this year. Mr McLellan said: "There are so many people working tirelessly in their communities right across Edinburgh, making life better for their friends and neighbours.

"They make an enormous difference to so many people's lives, but rarely get any recognition for it.

"Of course, none of them do what they do in search of public praise, but we think it is important nonetheless to show them just how much they are appreciated.

"We read every day about the negative side of life, be it crime, accidents or illnesses, but we also need to take time to recognise all the good things that are going on every day in Edinburgh and the Lothians."

Mr McLellan added: "Everyone knows someone who is always willing to put themselves out for the benefit of others, and we want to hear about as many of them as possible. Please let us know about your local heroes."

Tell us who you'd like to see get an award

The Evening News Community Awards were created to reward ordinary people who play an important part in their local community. Today you have a chance to nominate candidates in each of these six categories. A judging panel will select the final winners who will be invited to an awards ceremony in July.

Best neighbour
Is your neighbour one in a million? Perhaps they've saved a life or averted a tragedy. Or perhaps it's simply that they are someone the whole neighbourhood relies on, whether it's for shopping for the housebound or a spot of emergency baby-sitting.

Best local shop
A good local shopkeeper is far more than a retail manager. He or she is a vital part of a community, who knows customers personally and goes out of their way to provide a service. Is that your local shopkeeper?

Best garden
Is there a garden near you which brightens your day as well as the whole neighbourhood? And a gardener who deserves recognition for all their hard work?

Best community worker
This could be a road sweeper, a lollipop man or woman, a social or youth worker – anyone you feel has gone that extra mile to make your community a better place to live.

Best carer
Carers are often unsung heroes putting in hours of unpaid work for loved ones. Tell us about someone who dedication deserves an award.

Best community youth initiative
This could be a school project or a scheme set up by a youth club, or an organisation dealing with young people.

HOW TO NOMINATE
Download a form by clicking HERE. Send us an email with your contact details and those of the person you are nominating to: [e-mail]. Your nomination must arrive by 6pm on Monday, June 16.