Express & Star Heroes Awards 2019 launched - nominate YOUR hero

Launched in print and online today, the awards are being sponsored by leading local companies and brands including McDonalds, Marston's, whg, Paycare and HomeServe.

Following on from the success of the Great Big Thank You awards, the the Express & Star Heroes Awards 2019 will celebrate the unsung heroes of the community and shine a spotlight on the people and organisations that bind it together.

The Express & Star wants to find individuals and groups from across the region who make a difference on a day to day basis to the people around them, and to recognise their efforts.

To find out more, go to heroes.expressandstar.com

Do you know someone who is constantly putting others before themselves by going above and beyond to provide a helping hand?

Is there a volunteer who has clocked up decades of work in the community or a teacher or coach who goes the extra mile to inspire their pupils?

Are you aware of a good neighbour who has helped your area to improve and flourish against the odds or a health worker who is always looking to make their patients’ lives easier?

We think it’s about time they receive the recognition they deserve.

The Express & Star Heroes Awards 2019 will celebrate the unsung heroes of our community and shine a spotlight on the people and organisations that bind it together.

The Express & Star has teamed up with a number of key businesses to reward the heroes of the Black Country and South Staffordshire.

We want to find individuals and groups from across the region who make a difference on a day to day basis to the people around them, and to recognise their efforts.

From the volunteers, to the young stars, from the helping hands, to sports men and women and for all those who step up when they are needed are encouraged to enter.

They may be members of your family, friends, neighbours, colleagues, someone you see regularly or someone who you have heard about and found their story inspirational.

In order to keep the local community at the heart of the awards, we are asking you our readers to nominate potential winners via the newspaper and online now.

1. Amateur Power of Sport Award

Sponsored by McDonalds

This award will be made to an individual or team that is using sport to make a significant difference within their local community by helping people to overcome challenges they face on a day to day basis.

2. Ambassador of the year

Sponsored by Paycare

This award recognises the person who has done the most to promote their Black Country roots within their chosen charity, team or hobby and play a vital role within the community.

3. Beyond the call of duty/ Emergency Services

Sponsored by HomeServe

This award is for 999 workers and members of the Armed Forces.

4. Carer of the year

Sponsored by McDonald’s

This award recognises someone who helps to support other people, a family member, friend or relative.

5. Community Champion (Individual or Group)

Sponsored by HomeServe

This is an individual or group who has served, inspired or performed and have given something back to their community over the course of the year.

6. Fundraiser/ Volunteer of the Year

Sponsored by Mander Centre

This award is for someone who regularly puts others before themselves; someone who is generous with their time to support an individual or group.

7. Hero of the NHS

Sponsored by Paycare

This award is for people who work or volunteer within the NHS and make a difference to the lives of patients they care for.

8. Young Star

Sponsored by Mander Centre

This award celebrates the young person, aged 16 or under, who has gone above and beyond in achieving their goals in the past 12 months.

9. Special Recognition Award

Sponsored by whg

Chosen by Martin Wright, Express & Star Editor-in-Chief, this award will be given to an individual or group deserving special recognition within the local community.

To find out more, go to heroes.expressandstar.com