Hundreds of people who make a difference in their communities have been nominated to win a free cruise from Liverpool.
The ECHO has teamed up with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines to offer a free cruise to 30 people from the Liverpool City Region who make a big contribution in their community, as part of 'Cruises for Community Heroes'. If there is an unsung hero in your community, now is your chance to help them gain recognition and see them rewarded with the holiday of a lifetime.
All you have to do is nominate someone you know who you think has gone the extra mile.
You can enter the competition here or use the form at the end of the story
Winners will receive a cruise for two aboard one of Fred. Olsen's sailings departing from Liverpool this year. The prizes range from a ten-night sailing trip to spot whales in Iceland to a 15-night exploration into Northern Norway to witness the phenomenal Midnight Sun.
Among the heroes nominated are a mum who founded a breast cancer support group, a grassroots football coach and a man described as "the heart and soul" of his community.
Nicola Hooton nominated Ann Coffey, a retired headteacher from Crosby. Ann founded the Sunshine Breast Cancer Support Group 11 years ago, after she was diagnosed with breast cancer herself.
She works as a volunteer at Liverpool University Hospitals to assist people affected by cancer. Ann organises activities and trips away for the support group, as well as raising funds to ensure the service is available for anyone who needs it.
Nicola told the ECHO: "Ann works every single day to make this group what it is. She’s an unpaid volunteer and started this from scratch. It's essential for people touched by breast cancer or any sort of cancer."
She added: "She took over all of the aspects of trying to put together a support group. It has gone from strength to strength and now has over 300 members. It means a lot to a lot of people.
"Ann is the most organised person I know - that’s why the group is so successful. She’s selfless, she does it for the patients because she knows she can help them. She doesn’t want any recognition."
Samuel Robbins-Wells nominated Michael Skelly, who runs creative arts organisation Connect Studios in Seaforth. Alongside his work as a teacher, Michael gives young people a chance to become involved in the arts, while focusing on their health and wellbeing.
Samuel said: "Michael is the heart and soul of the community, he’s inspired hundreds of young people and adults to make better choices in their lives."
He added: "Nothing is ever too big for Michael. Throughout lockdown he continued to support 200 plus children and kept their minds focused during difficult times. He would also buy shopping for many vulnerable adults in the community who were in need.
"Michael is a kind-hearted man who thrives off helping people. If we can have something like this to show our appreciation, I know he would love it. He’s a selfless man who gives his life up for so many other people."
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Managing Director, Peter Deer, said: “It has been four weeks since we launched our ‘Cruises for Community Heroes’ campaign alongside the Liverpool Echo, and the response we have received so far from those wanting to celebrate unsung heroes in their community has been fantastic.
“We set out to help reward those who are doing great things in the areas they live and work, but who expect very little in return, and to see so many wonderful tales of community spirit has been truly heart-warming.
“There’s still two weeks left to make a nomination, so if you know someone who is really making a difference in the community, please put them forward so we can help you to say thank you for everything they do.”
Liverpool ECHO editor Maria Breslin said: "Cruises for Community Heroes is a real celebration of the Liverpool City Region's remarkable people and a chance to recognise their very many wonderful achievements.
"Merseyside is home to so many seemingly ordinary people doing extraordinary things and making a massive impact on our communities. We've had so many outstanding entries. Some of them made me smile while others have reduced me to tears but they have all been humbling and inspirational and are deserving nominees.
"There is still plenty of time to nominate your community heroes. All you've got to do is fill in the form below to be in with a chance of winning a wonderful prize."
The competition is open until midnight on Thursday, May 18. There are no strict guidelines on what makes a winner, we just want to hear feel-good stories from your community.
