Specsavers Unsung Hero Award 2011 launched

Islanders are being asked to nominate their unsung hero, someone who has given selflessly to the local community.

The Specsavers Unsung Hero Award is now in its 13th year and will culminate at next February’s Awards for Achievement gala evening. It celebrates a person who works, often behind the scenes, for the welfare of others in the local community. This may be for a recognized association, group or charity, or simply by helping others.

Specsavers founder Dame Mary Perkins says: ‘When it comes to going through the entries for the Specsavers Unsung Hero award each year, it always amazes me how many people in the island give so generously and selflessly of their time for the benefit of others.

‘The award is really an opportunity to show your appreciation for that person and recognise the difference they make for our local community.’

Guide leader Jenny Falla was one of five shortlisted candidates last year, who went on to win the award after receiving the most votes from the public. Mrs Falla has worked tirelessly within the girlguiding movement for more than 40 years, becoming the first Bailiwick Commissioner in 2002.

The other short-listed nominees included Joan Ozanne, who has been involved in the arts in the island for more than 50 years; activity nurses at the KEV11 Hospital Shirley Crowson and Patricia Ferbrache; Celia Allen, chair of the Lifeboat Guild and involved with the Samaritans for many years; and Jane Beausire, who has been assisting women undergoing cancer treatments for the last 18 months, helping them with wig choices and styling for hair loss, as well as the use of scarves and make-up tips for eyebrows and eyelashes.

All nominations are carefully considered on an annual basis, so islanders can nominate someone again, but the award must be about community work done in the island.

Nominations should be received by Friday 25 November, then a panel of judges will select a shortlist from which the public will be asked to vote for their winner. The successful nominee will win the Specsavers Unsung Hero Award trophy, a £3,000 holiday voucher and £1,000 for the charity of their choice.

Forms are available from Specsavers’ office at La Villiaze, call Alex Hanna on 233667 or email alex.hanna@specsavers.com, or available to download on guernseyachievementawards.com. Forms are also available at various public locations around the island.