Nominations wanted for Pride of Swindon awards (From Swindon Advertiser)

Nominations wanted for Pride of Swindon awards

9:30pm Wednesday 16th January 2013 in News

VOLUNTEERS, fundraisers and friendly neighbours are all being sought for this year’s Pride of Swindon Awards.

The Pride of Swindon Awards 2013 were launched in November last year as a way or recognising individuals who go the extra mile to help others in their community.

People have until the end of January to get their nominations in for this year’s award.

The awards started in 2008 and have unearthed some of the most deserving volunteers and fundraisers in the town.

Previous winners include: Christine Heath, a Samaritan volunteer who helps people on the verge of suicide; Emma Court, a doctor who tackled a gang of youths who were beating up a boy; Clive Hall, a fireman at Swindon Fire Station who does daredevil stunts to raise cash for the fireman’s charity; and Karen Leakey, who campaigned against prostitution and anti-social behaviour in a bid to clean up her neighbourhood.

Sarah Purnell, the founder of Koala Swindon Opportunity Group, has been rewarded for her efforts in the community at previous awards.

She started the group for children who have just been diagnosed with learning disabilities 25 years ago when her daughter, Caroline, who suffers from severe learning difficulties and epilepsy, was just three.

The mother-of-three, who also set up Swindon Interactive Arts Service, said she felt humbled after winning a Pride of Swindon Award.

“I just enjoy doing the work, I never expected to be rewarded like this,” she said.

Another previous winner, Jenny Stacey, manager of the Open Door Centre which provides a specialist day resource for adults with learning disabilities, said: “To get the award was just stunning, I couldn’t believe it and I still can’t think why I got it because I just love my job.”

This year the panel of judges are looking for nominations from those who work in the voluntary sector and give up their time and services to help others.

To nominate someone for an award, go to http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/pride_of_ swindon_2013 – and in no more than 250 words, tell us why your are nominating them for an award.

Or you can fill out the nomination form in the Adver tomorrow.

Send your entry to: The Pride Of Swindon Awards, Mayor’s Office, Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon SN1 2JH or email prideofswindonawards@ swindon.gov.uk by February 1.