Hurry to nominate for pride awards (From Swindon Advertiser)

Hurry to nominate for pride awards

4:00pm Wednesday 8th February 2012 in Local By Katie Bond

TIME is running out to nominate people for the 2012 Pride of Swindon awards.

The award ceremony will take place next month and nominations close tomorrow.

Nominees can be people of all ages who have made a real difference in the town — from selfless volunteers, extra-special neighbours and courageous children to brave adults.

This year there is also the chance to nominate a team for an award.

The nominations have been coming in thick and fast and judges will be sitting down later this month to decide the winners.

One of those nominated this year is Paul Wilkinson, 65, of Moredon, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease back in 2003 and told he only had three years left to live.

But, despite his diagnosis, Paul has continued to devote his life to raising money for charity through challenges which have seen him spend 12 hours wheeling himself around a track in a manual wheelchair and climbing the 10 highest and steepest hills in Swindon, 10 times each in 10 days.

Speaking about his nomination, Paul said: “I feel not only very humble and proud, but also appreciative that it is my endeavours to give my time and love to others coming to fruition.

“My goal is and will always be to inspire and touch the lives of others for the rest of my life.”

Last year, a total of 24 people had an award bestowed on them. In July, a plaque with all the recipients’ names was put on display in the Central Library.

To nominate someone for this year’s awards, visit the website www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk