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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 and 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. Mike added:- "Our 1st 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 you can send an
email to request a nomination form, or go to the awards
website to find out more. Nominations close
on 30 April 2015. |
