Voluntary carers highlighted as unsung heroes

03/02/12

Our campaign to find a local hero to be named “Most Deserving” and receive the gift of £10,000 towards a car, plus a donation of £2,500 donation to the charity of their choice has highlighted the vital role unpaid carers across the country play.

Read about the competition here http://mostdeserving.motors.co.uk/

We have been over-whelmed by the response so far.  Nominees include a lot of people who have high profiles as charity campaigners, including a Paralympic athlete and a number of people who have set up their own charities.  But just as impressive are the many private carers providing exceptional support for spouses and other family members who are dependent on them – and who do so much for the wider community too, despite being in poor health in several cases.  

Phil Jones, commercial director at http://www.motors.co.uk calls for family and friends to get behind their nominees and nominate individuals who they believe are special:  “We’re hearing some life-affirming stories about people who do great work without reward.  It is clear that there are many people around the country whose quality of life is dependent on the generosity of un-rewarded carers.”

Nominations are still open and there is no limit on the number of times a nominee can be named.  

Here are some messages about the nominees - we will be publishing more updates soon:

For Terry in Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire: “Terry is a remarkable woman who is always thinking of others. She and her husband have been respite carers and now do a lot of work helping people with M.E.  She is one of the least selfish people I know. Remarkable.”

About Sharon in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire: “My neighbour Sharon has a gorgeous son who we all love, however as a baby he suffered from meningitis which has slowed his development and made life very hard for them all. Sharon has three children, and despite her eldest son needing so much of her love and care and attention, her other two children are a real credit to her and her husband Mark.”

Describing Joanna in Nottingham:  “Joanna is the most kindhearted person I know. She never hesitates to offer her help, even if it compromises her own life.”

Charities and organisations associated with the nominees so far include –

·         http://www.meassociation.org.uk/

·         http://www.oliverfisher.org/

·         http://givingtokings.org.uk/

·         http://www.breakthrough.org.uk/

·         http://www.newhopechildrensfoundation.org/

·         http://www.amyandfriends.org

·         http://www.pierssimonappeal.org/Home.html

·         http://braintumourtrust.co.uk/

·         http://www.chelseasangels.co.uk/

·         http://www.familiesagainstneuroblastoma.org/

·         http://www.stfrancis.org.uk/

·         http://www.lifeforakid.co.uk/