The winner could be a carer who has missed out on everyday life in order to look after a loved one, or they may work in the healthcare industry, dedicating their lives to caring for others.
They could be a member of one of our emergency services who has been behind a major safety campaign or had an important role to play in a major incident.
These people are our guardian angels and their work, often in tough conditions and under immense pressure, deserves recognition.
Meet the three finalists:
Jan Auffret
Role: A clinical manager of delivery suites in the maternity unit at the Hospital
Nominated by: Joanna Machala
NOMINATOR: Joanna Machala
What was it about Jan that made you want to nominate her for a Pride of Jersey award?
‘I met Jan at a very traumatic time, when we had lost our son, Oscar, who was stillborn. We were devastated.
‘Jan was there next to us trying to explain, although we never found out why he died. She was very calm.
‘The first impression I had was that she was very unselfish, very kind and really friendly.
‘Without her I don’t think we would have managed to cope at all.
‘She really tried to help us as much as she could.
‘I can’t imagine doing her job – you must have to be really strong in your mind.
‘Even our friends could not face us straight away as they didn’t know what to say, but she was there.
‘She was trying to help us.
‘Without her we would not have coped.
‘Her personality is ideal for her job. Not everyone could do her job.
‘I wish for the judges to be able to understand the job she does.
‘I want them to put themselves in my situation of what I’ve been through or put themselves in the situation of other grieving parents.
‘If they do this they will know that Jan has not got an easy job.’
NOMINEE: Jan Auffret
What would it mean to you to win a Pride of Jersey award?
‘I would feel very honoured and privileged to win a Pride of Jersey Award, although the nomination itself has made me feel very humbled as I met my nominee in such tragic circumstances.
‘I feel that these awards celebrate the work that goes on in our community and feel very proud to be a part of this.
‘The caring profession is one that involves going the “extra mile”, sometimes without recognition, and although I feel this nomination has singled me out, I have been so proud to have provided care that made a difference.
What does it mean to you to have been nominated for a Pride of Jersey award and to have received the backing of the public to reach the final three?
‘I have been completely overwhelmed by the response I have had from the public.
‘Family, friends, neighbours, women and their families, that I have cared for, have contacted me to let me know they were supporting me.
‘A nomination for an award such as this is such a privilege, and completely unexpected.
‘I am undoubtedly excited to have reached the final three, if more than a little surprised.
‘It has been a very humbling experience and I am very appreciative for my nomination by Joanna, and to everyone who made the effort to vote for me.’
Lorna Kearney
Role: Manager of the Jersey Women’s Refuge
Nominated by: Louise Bracken-Smith
NOMINATOR: Louise Bracken-Smith
What was it about Lorna that made you want to nominate her for a Pride of Jersey award?
‘Lorna is an incredible lady who has helped so many women turn their lives around.
‘She have given them the tools to overcome abuse.
‘It is hard to imagine what some of these women go through and they are so lucky to have the refuge to help them find a way out.
‘Lorna works tirelessly and her dedication to the cause is inspirational, she was the first person I thought of that would truly deserve such an award.’
NOMINEE: Lorna Kearney
What would it mean to you to win a Pride of Jersey award?
‘I would feel extremely proud to win the award.
‘When I first started at the Refuge almost 20 years ago I decided that I would stay for as long as I was needed, for as long as there was still work to be done and things for me to learn.
‘Every day I see the devastation, emotional distress and physical injuries of women and their children suffering at the hands of domestic abuse.
‘I have learnt over the years about some of the most effective ways to help and protect women and their children through supporting them and I still continue to learn.
‘I feel sad that this service is still very much in demand and we are still needed, but I feel very privileged to be part of an amazing team, full of dedicated staff who work very hard to protect women and children in our Island from abuse.
‘It would mean recognition for all of the efforts of our team, volunteers and management committee in raising awareness of the problem of domestic abuse, providing support services for all of the women and children at the Refuge and in our community.
‘While we hear frequently from the clients how much our service means to them, winning the Pride of Jersey would show that what we are doing really matters to the people in our community.’
What does it mean to you to have been nominated for a Pride of Jersey award and to have received the backing of the public to reach the final three?
‘To have been nominated was a shock to me when I first heard. I was taken back that Louise had taken the time and trouble to write such a lovely nomination.
‘To have had the backing of the public to reach the final three shows that although I may be a public face for the Refuge, the community understand the importance of the Refuge and our vital outreach and counselling service and they support what we are all doing.
‘We are working hard together to influence change by going into schools, educating the community and having much more open discussions about domestic abuse. Women are aware to a much greater degree of the help available to them.
This is the culmination of years of hard work from everyone involved to raise awareness of the problem, change attitudes and get adequate support in place for those that need it.
‘It would be recognition for everyone involved.’
Cate Goode
Role: Colorectal cancer and stoma care nurse specialist for Health and Social Services
Nominated by: Roger and Sonia Baudin
NOMINATOR: Sonia Baudin
What was it about Cate that made you want to nominate her for a Pride of Jersey award?
‘My husband Roger was diagnosed with bowel cancer in January 2014 and we did not know if he would live or die.
‘On the day of diagnosis, Cate was at the appointment and gave us lots of support and has continued to do so.
‘She has a wonderful way with patients.
‘When we were given the diagnosis it was so emotional, but Cate was amazing.’
NOMINEE: Cate Goode
What would it mean to you to win a Pride of Jersey award?
‘I would be exceptionally honoured to win a Pride of Jersey Award.
‘This award has been voted for and initiated by patients that I have had the privilege to care for.
‘Primarily my role is supporting patients and their family through their cancer diagnosis and throughout their cancer journey.
‘It is so fulfilling and a privilege to help patients when they are at their most vulnerable through a very difficult time.
‘This usually includes before, during, after surgery and subsequently follow-up.
‘Assisting patients to rebuild their lives and their confidence is a very rewarding element of my role.
‘To win the award would be totally amazing and I am sure that my patients, family, friends and colleagues would be so proud and delighted for me.
‘I would like to say that I consider myself very fortunate and privileged to be the colorectal cancer and stoma care nurse specialist for Health and Social Services – a career that I love. I do strive to provide the best possible care for my patients and their families at all times.
‘However, I am part of the colorectal team. Each member of our team has an important role to play.
‘The appointment of Miklos Kassai, consultant colorectal surgeon, has been a great asset to our team and Jersey General Hospital.
‘Other members of the team include Portelet Ward staff, theatre staff, gastroenterologists, radiologists, oncologists, pathologists and our administrative staff.’
What does it mean to you to have been nominated for a Pride of Jersey award and to have received the backing of the public to reach the final three?
‘I was astounded when I was informed that I had been nominated for the Pride of Jersey Award.
‘It was completely unexpected and such a lovely surprise.
‘It was also very heart-warming to know that what I do within my role is beneficial and appreciated so much by my patients and their families.
‘I am exceptionally touched that my patients, families, friends and colleagues have taken the time to even consider me to be nominated within this category and voted for me.
‘To reach the final three I feel is a fantastic achievement.
‘However, I feel that all the candidates nominated are outstanding and have contributed to improving the lives of the people of Jersey in one way or another.’
RAVENSCROFT sees itself as ‘very much part of the community’ in which it operates, which has been demonstrated by the financial support it has given to various clubs and associations in the Island.
Chief executive Haydn Taylor said: ‘We would like to recognise the unsung heroes who all too often fly under the radar. Judging the entries in this category has been a humbling experience. It has brought to light the selfless Islanders whose support, commitment and creativity genuinely make a difference.
‘This category shows that there are many people who are doing extraordinary work, without seeking the limelight. There are many people in the community going that extra mile, and Ravenscroft is proud to be involved with recognising the significant contribution these Islanders make.
‘The finalists are an inspiration to all of us. They tirelessly dedicate their time to making life better for others. Judging this category is extremely difficult, as they are all worthy winners.’
‘These angels have gone beyond the call of duty and it’s fantastic that the Pride of Jersey awards will recognise them for going the extra mile.’
