Nominations sought for exceptional individuals from Merseyside
COMMUNITIES across Britain are being
urged to honour 'ordinary' people doing extraordinary things by
nominating them for a new national award.
The British Citizen Awards (BCA) recognises exceptional individuals who work
tirelessly and selflessly to make a positive impact upon society.
Successfully launched in January this year, the inaugural BCA ceremony saw 28
people honoured at a prestigious ceremony hosted by Baroness Cox at the Palace
of Westminster.
Nominations are currently being accepted for the next round of medal
presentations, which will take place on 9 July 2015, again at the Palace of
Westminster. All BCA recipients receive a Medal of Honour, inscribed with the
words:- 'For the Good of the Country'. Medalists are also invited to use the
initials BCA after their name.
Medalists in January included, inspirational duo, Charles Callaghan and Donald
Franks, from Merseyside, who were both awarded a Volunteering & Charitable
Giving BCA, presented by actress and presenter, Linda Robson, for together
raising over £300,000 by collecting at football grounds and shopping centre in
all weathers over 15 years, for Liverpool hospice, Jospice.
The British Citizen Awards were launched to honour the incredible
accomplishments of individuals in society who positively impact their
communities. BCAs are awarded twice annually, as are the Queen's Honours, but
these awards only recognise 'everyday' people whose achievements may
otherwise be overlooked.
Mike Faulkner, co-founder of the awards, said:- "There are literally
thousands of people across the UK making life better for others, and until now
with no formal recognition open to them. This programme, which many see as
an alternative Honours system, has been created to enable every individual
across the country to nominate someone who they feel deserves to be recognised.
We have nothing, but respect for the Honours system, but believe that a more
accessible recognition programme is long overdue."
Nominations from all corners of the UK, all cultural backgrounds and from all
sectors of the community are being welcomed until the closing deadline on:- 30 April
2015. "Our first award ceremony in January was a phenomenal success, and
it was fantastic to honour individuals who were simply remarkable human beings.
We look forward to honouring more exceptional individuals within our communities
during this next round of awards." Basil Preuveneers, co-found of the awards, said:-
"It is remarkable how many people are positively impacting the lives of those
around them without reward or recognition, and it's fantastic that we can now
celebrate them."
The awards have attracted support from several high-profile ambassadors,
including actress and former EastEnders star Brooke Kinsella, and former
high court judge, Dame Linda Dobbs DBE.
Brooke said:- "The British Citizen Awards are a way to honour ordinary
people who do extraordinary things and I am proud to offer my support. There are
so many wonderful people doing life changing things in our communities and it is
time they were recognised. If you know a person deserving of this award please
nominate them now!"
Dame Linda Dobbs DBE said:- "There are many people in the community who do
significant voluntary and unpaid work without official recognition. It is
important that their efforts are recognised, not only in order that the
volunteers themselves know that their valuable contributions are noted, but
also, in order that others can appreciate their work and, hopefully, feel
encouraged to volunteer themselves. The British Citizen Awards are an excellent
way to shine the spotlight on such kind, caring and selfless people in our
community."
Nominations are free and people can be entered into 1 of 8 different
categories. All nominations will be scrutinised by an independent committee,
with their choices passed on to an assessment panel for final ratification.
Thirty nominees will then be shortlisted to receive an award. To nominate,
email to
request a nomination form, or visit:-
BritishCitizenAwards.Co.UK to find out more. Nominations
close on 30 April 2015.
