Falklands war veteran Simon Weston is calling on the people of Swindon to help find the unsung heroes who represent ‘The Best Of British’.
Simon, who was named the Nation’s Favourite Hero in 2014, has joined forces with global hearing specialist Amplifon for The Amplifon Awards for Brave Britons, which will celebrate truly remarkable people who are an example to the nation.
Set up in honour of Amplifon’s founder, Second World War hero Major Charles Holland, the awards will recognise the courage and achievement of people from all walks of life in the following categories:
- Service to their Country. This award will recognise current or former members of the armed forces and emergency services who’ve shown outstanding bravery serving the UK.
- Against all Odds. This award will go to a person who has overcome adversity to take on an exceptional challenge or achieve outstanding success.
- Hero Pet. This award will honour a hearing dog or other animal who has transformed the life of their owner.
- Young Hero. This award will be given to a young person under 18 who has shown outstanding courage or taken on an exceptional challenge.
- Charity Champion. Sponsored by hearing loss charity Action on Hearing Loss, this award will recognise a volunteer, charity worker or fundraiser who has made a real difference to a cause they care about.
- Active Agers. This award will recognise an individual aged 60 or over whose attitude and approach to ageing is an inspiration to us all. They could be someone who has achieved significant success in the fields of sport, the arts, business, education or science and technology, or anyone who has accomplished a remarkable feat later in life.
Simon, who will head up the judging panel for the awards said: “The Amplifon Awards for Brave Britons will shine a light on a very British breed of hero: those who, like Major Charles Holland, through incredible acts of courage, bravery and incredible selflessness, are an inspiration to others.
“We all know someone who deserves recognition for their service to others, their country or community and we’re calling on the people of Swindon to nominate these amazing individuals.”
Christopher Sutcliffe, Audiologist at Amplifon’s Regent Circus branch in the town, said: “These awards celebrate the unsung heroes in our communities – those truly remarkable people who are an inspiration to us all.
“If you know someone who deserves to be recognised for their bravery or selflessness then we want to hear their story.”
Charles Holland was decorated by both the British and the American military for his bravery behind enemy lines during the Second World War. He was awarded both the MBE and the Military Cross and received the Bronze Star from the United States Government in 1948.
After the war the courageous veteran dedicated his life to providing better hearing for people affected by the conflict and in 1950 launched Amplifon, which has become a global company specialising in providing the best in class hearing solutions and devices.
To honour his valiant actions, The Amplifon Awards for Brave Britons will celebrate the achievements of exceptional people from all walks of life, of all ages and from all over the United Kingdom.
Nominations can be made in six categories: Service to their country, Against all Odds, Hero Pet, Young Hero, Charity Champion and Active Agers.
The winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Army and Navy Club in London on Tuesday 16 October.
A panel of judges will also choose an overall winner from the category winners, who will win a £1,000 trip to Italy.
The closing date for entries is Friday 3 August, and nominations can be made via the Amplifon website http://www.amplifon.com/web/uk/awards.
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