Time is running out to nominate a community hero 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.
The competition closes at midnight on Thursday (May 18). There are no strict guidelines on what makes a winner, we just want to hear stories of people who contribute to your community.
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.
Jennifer Shelbourne nominated her dad Francis Shelbourne to win a cruise. Retired lorry driver Francis, 78, from Walton Vale, volunteers with litter picking group Fazakerley Wombles.
Jennifer told the ECHO: "He is very proud of where he lives. He loves the entire city. He wants to give back and wants visitors to see how amazing our city is so goes litter picking twice a week.
"He is the oldest member of the group but is still able to keep up with the younger people. The group mainly go around Aintree and Fazakerley and clean up public places and take litter off the streets.
"He takes a lot of pride in it and it keeps him more active. He loves going out and meeting people, making sure the area is all nice and clean.
Jennifer added: "He’s one of our heroes, he’s really funny - everyone around knows Francis".
The ECHO's competitions team has received hundreds of entries and they are already impressed with the quality of those submitted. Time is running out to enter a hero from your community, which you can do using the form at the bottom of this article.
Liverpool ECHO editor Maria Breslin said: "Fred. Olsen is the perfect partner and we were delighted to join forces to offer the Liverpool city region's remarkable people the opportunity to win a holiday of a lifetime. The cruise company has been sailing out of Liverpool for almost 20 years now and it is very much part of the Merseyside family.
"We are blessed with so many community heroes and it is wonderful to be able to say a big thank you to the people who make a big difference to our communities by sending them off on a holiday they will never forget."
