Let's hear about more local heroes

A 13-YEAR-OLD schoolboy, a group of young entrepreneurs and a heartfelt letter from Germany are just some of the inspirational and touching nominations received this week for our Pride in the Community Awards.

Entries are beginning to flood into The Journal's offices from people who believe they know a stand-out person or group whose actions always go that extra mile.

These groups and individuals are the ones we want to thank for their compassion, kindness and bravery.

Maybe you know a child who has battled against adversity, a teacher who has made your time at school more memorable or there's a business in Lowestoft or Southwold that you believe gives customer service that's second to none?

We want to hear from you so we can reward all these people on Monday, July 7, at the Wherry Hotel, Oulton Broad, where we will hold our second annual Pride in the Community Awards, congratulating people on their community spirit, honesty and selflessness.

The event is once again being sponsored by Pleasurewood Hills, which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary. The ever-popular attraction sees the importance of passion and commitment to the community in which it operates.

It is this passion for the community which forms the essence of the awards.

New entries this week include one from Ann Jillings, who has nominated Matthew Munro as Inspirational Child of the Year.

Matthew, of Carlton Colville, is 13 and has cystic fibrosis. Despite a daily routine of physiotherapy and medication he never lets it get him down.

Ann said: “Matthew always has a big smile and bags of character in spite of often feeling ill, and he puts so much effort and enthusiasm into all the clubs and activities he is involved in.”

She said Matthew had had many hospital admissions this year, often for two or three weeks at a time. He also had to stay in hospital every school holiday and catch up with school work he had missed. “I have never once heard Matthew complain. His attitude is a real inspiration to all who know him,” said Ann.

Lee Darby has nominated Fadoo, a youth-led credit union group, for Entrepreneur of the Year.

Lee explained that in just six months the group from Denes High School, Lowestoft, had created and launched the savings scheme in school, registered it and made it the first youth-focused credit union in the country.

“The Fadoo crew have bravely embraced the world of money management with a clear vision to help other young people to save and take responsibility for their personal finances,” said Lee.

Meanwhile, news of the awards has travelled across the North Sea to Germany, from where we have received a letter from Richard Bradnick. He thinks his good friend, David Munro, should win the Where the Heart Is category.

Richard, who lives in Weitramsdorf, Bavaria, said David gave him invaluable help after his mother died, leaving him with a property in Lowestoft to sell. A buyer was found quickly, but Richard was left with a moral dilemma in having to clear out the house with little time and a difficult task ahead.

“However, my good friend David, with some support from his family, has been a great help in clearing out the property and ensuring it remained in good order throughout,” said Richard.

He added:“In his spare time David was also in regular contact with the buyer. I have since received a letter from the new owner of the property saying David has been an absolute invaluable help and working so hard. Medical wise, David is not a well man, but he makes light work of his illness to help others.”

We are still looking for more nominations, and we would like you to nominate your own champ-ions in the various categories.

The shortlisted finalists and their family members in all the categories will be invited to the awards ceremony, to include a three-course meal.

To nominate someone for one of the nine categories listed on the right, fill in the category of your choice on the form below, together with your name, address, a telephone number and, if possible, a recent photo of the person being nominated. Include on a separate piece of paper why you think the person you are putting forward has pride in their community.

Entries close on Monday, June 9, at 5pm.