'Nominate someone special' - Your chance to highlight great deeds and heroism at the glittering Black Country Heroes Awards

Nominations are open for the glittering event, which will be held later this year at Molineux.

Hosted by the Express & Star, the event is also looking for firms to sponsor some of the categories for awards that will be given on the night.

The  Black Country is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and resilient spirit. 

But the true essence of our community is its people - those unsung heroes who make a difference every day, and these awards offer a chance to shine a spotlight on these remarkable individuals.

With a total of 12 award categories, the Black Country Heroes Awards aim to recognise and celebrate the courage, compassion, and dedication of individuals across various sectors of our community. The winners will take centre stage at an award’s dinner at Molineux, when we will hear their incredible stories. 

The awards include a focus on determined and courageous young people, those who are actively involved in their local community, selfless volunteers, the heroes in our hospitals and armed forces and the remarkable fundraisers that go above and beyond to raise money for a good cause.  

The awards are made possible by the generosity of firms who have put themselves forward as sponsors.

William Gough & Sons Ltd, K-SOC/Protect and NIS Group have all signed up so far. William Gough & Sons Ltd is also sponsoring the trophies and and Star Scaffolding the programmes.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available and forms should contact Bal Sanghera on 07852 149749 or email baljinder.sanghera@expressandstar.co.uk.

Last year the awards brought an emotional night to Molineux. The winners included seven-year-old Millie Turner, who took the Child of Courage award after saving the life of her mother Pamela when she collapsed. Swimmer Kaiden Hitchins won the Future Star award and Alfie Hinks left the building with not one, but two awards for his undeniable courage and perseverance after being diagnosed with a brain tumour. 

Volunteer of the Year award was awarded to George Peter for his Giving Hands Mission. His dedication to his local community has been unwavering and he has provided emergency assistance to over 12,600 individuals, preventing homelessness for 61 households.  The JW Hunt Cup Committee were given a special award for their many decades of charitable work to round off the celebrations. 

Express & Star editor Mark Drew said: "These awards are always a highlight of our year. It is a night where ordinary people who do extraordinary things are celebrated.

"We always get a large number of nominations and I expect the same this year. We know from covering the Black Country for the paper that there are some incredible stories out there waiting to be told. 

"These awards show off the Black Country to its best and we look forward to seeing who is nominated."

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

What are the award categories?

FUTURE STAR: This award recognises a young person aged 21 or under who has shown progression and growth in the last 12 months with the potential to achieve greatness in the future. Their achievement or potential can be in any discipline or field such as sport,  education, business or personal growth.

CHILD OF COURAGE, sponsored by NIS Group: This award recognises a young person aged 18 or under who has shown incredible courage and determination in the last 12 months to overcome a personal challenge. This achievement could be something they have done for themselves, their family, school or local community.

COMMUNITY CHAMPION: This is an individual or group who has served or inspired or performed wonderfully as they have given something back to their community over the course of the year. They go the extra mile for the benefit of their community, putting it on the map and helping it to flourish. They are at the heart of their local community.

YOUNG STAR AWARD: This award celebrates a young person who has gone above and beyond in achieving their goals in the past 12 months. This could be anything from being an inspiration to others by dedicating time and effort to help people to being a leading light in their sport or hobby. This person may have faced adversity through an accident or illness and has come out stronger the other side. This is the chance to recognise their efforts. 

WELL BEING AND MENTAL HEALTH CHAMPION: This award recognises an individual or group that has positively impacted mental health and well being in their community. They will have shown and demonstrated a high level of dedication to mental health and well being and will be considered a positive role model who has improved the lives of others. 

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: This award is for someone who regularly puts others before themselves; someone who is generous with their time to support an individual or group. This may be a member of society who tirelessly works to raise money for a good cause. Some people dedicate their lives to helping others this way, and it can go unnoticed - it’s not necessarily about the amount of money raised, more the time given by the individual. This is their chance to be recognised.

NHS HERO AWARD, sponsored by William Gough & Sons Ltd: This award recognises our key workers who are based within the NHS. They will have gone above and beyond their usual duties, helping others, putting in time, effort and commitment to make our NHS proud.

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD: This award goes to those who dedicate time and energy to keeping their local area clean and green. This could be organising litter picks, creating a community garden, encouraging others to recycle, or supporting local wildlife and urban farming.

UNIFORMED HERO: Sponsored by Ksoc/Protect: This award recognises our key workers who are based within uniformed services (Police, Fire, Ambulance, HM Forces). They will have gone above and beyond their usual duties, helping others, putting in time, effort and commitment to make themselves and the region proud.

OUTSTANDING BRAVERY: Awarded to an individual or group of people who has shown outstanding courage, defiance and duty in the face of perceived danger, fear or difficulty.

FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR : Awarded to an individual or group of people who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for a good cause.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION, sponsored by the Express & Star: This award will be given to an individual or group deserving of special recognition within the local community.

Who can be nominated? 

Anyone who calls the Black Country their home, and who demonstrates the everyday heroism that too often goes unnoticed. If you know someone who fits any of the award categories, someone whose story deserves to be told and celebrated, don’t hesitate to nominate them for a Black Country Heroes Award. 

How Can You Nominate? 

Nominating your hero is easy. Click on this link to take you to the dedicated website for the awards.

Select the category that best describes your hero. Fill out the nomination form with your hero’s details and explain why they deserve this recognition.

Submit the form before the deadline of August 18. Feel free to nominate multiple heroes for different categories by completing separate forms for each person. It’s your chance to ensure that their contributions do not go unnoticed.

 If you have any questions or need assistance with the nomination process, our event manager Linda Pritchard is ready to help on 07837308942. 

You can also find their contact information on the website. By nominating your Black Country Hero you’re taking an active role in highlighting the very best of what makes the Black Country so unique. Nominate your local hero today and let’s celebrate the heart and soul of our community together.