FORMER midwife Hazel Furze was overwhelmed to find out she had been nominated for the Pride of Swindon Awards 2014.

For the past 10 years the 64-year-old from Old Town has selflessly been a volunteer trustee, supervisor and trainer with Pregnancy Choices since it first opened up.

But for Hazel, the nomination was a great surprise, not least because she sees her work as impossible without the support of her team members.

She said: “It’s a bit overwhelming really.

“I was surprised actually because we were nominated as a team last year and that seemed right because everybody works as a team.

“To be nominated as an individual was overwhelming, that one person should be acknowledged.

“It is nice to be acknowledged for the work you do.

“I am passionate about my work and that women in Swindon have a safe place to come and talk about their pregnancy.

“For many, pregnancy is a happy occasion but for others it is not always like that.”

Her nomination said that Hazel has ‘given her time, her wisdom and guidance to the whole team and is always on the end of the phone with sound advice. Hazel’s caring approach displays itself not only for the team but her heart reaches out to the women in despair, confusion and grief’.

It is now the sixth year that the Pride of Swindon Awards have taken place. They recognise the children and adults in the town who have gone above and beyond to support their local communities.

Residents still have time to nominate an individual or group who they think has made a significant difference to their communities, such as a volunteer who has given their time selflessly for years, a child or adult who has displayed remarkable courage, a person who has helped to reduce crime in the area or someone who has helped at a sports club.

People can also nominate a young person who should be recognised as a role model or a neighbour or an employee who has gone the extra mile in their role, including police officers, firefighters, doctors, nurses and teachers.

People can also nominate someone for a posthumous award. Nominations end on February 3.

To nominate someone who has made a difference to your community for the Pride of Swindon Awards, follow this link to the nomination form: http:www.swindon. gov.uk or www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk. Forms will also be available in libraries throughout the town, or from the Mayor’s Office.

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