Ms Douglas, who works at Mont à l’Abbé School and has worked in a variety of care settings, including the Le Geyt Centre and Healing Waves, said that it was ‘an honour to share the night with some truly amazing people’ and encouraged Islanders to nominate their community heroes.
‘I guess it assures me that I am spending my life doing good, spreading love and positivity. It really does mean the world,’ she said.
‘It was honestly the best night of my life. It felt very surreal, and it still does to win an award for something that just feels natural to me. It was such an emotional night hearing people’s stories and it made me feel very proud to be a part of it. I chose to take my brother and sister as guests, as we have been through a lot together, and my sister brought our mum’s ashes, so she was with us too. The organisers and sponsors really do put on an unforgettable night.’
Cassie Devereux, who also works at Mont à l’Abbé, nominated Laura for spending her free time supporting and helping others, which she continues to do.
‘I work as a teaching assistant and for children’s services and – hand on my heart – I love waking up in the morning and look forward to going to school,’ said Ms Douglas. ‘The children and young people are all amazing and I feel lucky to be in such a rewarding job working alongside great colleagues.’
Ms Douglas still volunteers with Healing Waves regularly and since winning the award has used the prize money to help cover the cost of a counselling course at Highlands College. ‘The course helped me to support others in my personal and professional circles and has done wonders for my self-esteem and self-awareness,’ she said.
‘If you see a spark in someone, tell them. I was shocked to hear I had been nominated and never thought I would actually win. Every person who is nominated is a deserving winner.’
Ravenscroft has been sponsoring the Angel of the Year category at both the Pride of Jersey and Pride of Guernsey Awards since they were first launched six years ago.
Haydn Taylor, managing director in Jersey, said it continued to be a real pleasure for the company to be a part of the Pride initiative.
‘The Angel of the Year Award recognises those who dedicate their lives to looking after people at a time they need it the most. Every single year, we are humbled by the kind and selfless people who work as doctors, nurses, medics, and social and health workers. Many have found themselves in the spotlight this year and we thank every one of them for getting us through. We want to celebrate and thank all those angels within our community who make a difference, which is why we are involved in Pride of Jersey,’ said Mr Taylor.
‘And the awards ceremony is always a special evening which is full of celebration and emotion. Each year I enjoy having the chance to meet the finalists and find out more about them, and of course the highlight has to be seeing the surprise and joy on the face of the winners,’ he added.
‘If ever there was a year when we could be proud of Jersey, then 2020 is surely it. Pride of Jersey celebrates the people who make our island the incredibly special place it is and I hope we see more nominations than ever before for Angel of the Year, and indeed all of the categories.’
To nominate your community heroes online click here. Nomination forms are also being printed each day in the JEP. Nominations will close on 31 August.
