One day left to give Jersey’s heroes the recognition they deserve

LESS than 24 hours remain to shine a spotlight on Jersey’s unsung heroes before nominations close for what is set to be a record-breaking Pride of Jersey awards.

More than 300 Islanders have already been put forward this year – but there is still time to make sure the person who makes your community a brighter, kinder or more inspiring place receives the recognition they deserve.

Nominations close at 9am tomorrow for 14 categories – including the new Sports Ambassador award for individuals who excel in their sport while showing perseverance or nurturing others.

JEP editor Carl Walker, who launched the awards in 2015, said: “Every year, we hear from readers about the people who make a real difference in our community – often quietly, without expecting or anticipating recognition.

“With just 24 hours left to nominate, now is the moment to make sure those people get the recognition they deserve. Take a minute, put their name forward and tell us why they should be celebrated – we want to celebrate them too”.

The awards were launched in 2015 as part of the JEP’s 125th-anniversary celebrations and have continued to grow year on year.

Last year, more than 270 Islanders were nominated and 27,674 votes were cast.

Among the winners was nine-year-old Dylan Boothman, who was named Environmentalist of the Year after choosing donations to shark-conservation trusts over birthday presents for four years. He donated his £1,000 winnings to The Shark Trust.

Voting for this year’s winners opens on 19 September, when Islanders will be able to choose one nominee in each category.

Three finalists will be shortlisted in all 14 categories, with the winners selected by a panel before being revealed at an awards evening in November.