Times are tough, aren’t they?
No matter how positive you are, there’s no denying this latest lockdown, with schools closed and long winter nights, is a struggle.
But for me, there are two amazing beacons that point to a much brighter future.
First of all, the vaccine rollout has been wonderful to see, giving older folk a glimpse of the time when they can hug their grandchildren again, and real hope for the rest of us that one day, hopefully soon, all this will be behind us.
I was so thrilled when my dad called to say he had been vaccinated, and mum is set to get the jab soon too.
And the other thing that should bring joy to all our hearts, is the incredible way people everywhere have come together to help others over the past year.
Whether it’s organised volunteer groups or simply neighbours offering to pick up some shopping for each other, so many people have put their own worries aside to look out for the rest of us.
And that selfless spirit is what we celebrate at the MEN Pride of Manchester Awards, in partnership with TSB.
We need you to tell us about the city’s unsung heroes, including those who have come to the fore during the pandemic.
Perhaps you would like to nominate the amazing volunteers who are the lifeblood of the vaccination effort.
And let’s not forget the dedicated key workers, from supermarket staff to refuse collectors, teachers, transport workers and of course, NHS heroes, who have carried on working throughout lockdown.
If you know anyone who deserves recognition, then tell us about them. And that includes people who are making a difference in any way, not just helping us through the pandemic.
Perhaps you know someone who is quietly transforming their community to improve the lives of those around them, or someone who has put themselves in danger to save someone else, or an inspirational campaigner.
We are looking for amazing fundraisers, children and young people who have overcome adversity to help others, and people who have displayed heart-stopping courage in a split second, perhaps risking their own safety to save a stranger.
And of course, we honour the amazing men and women of our emergency services who go beyond the call of duty to keep us all safe.
Our team looks at every nomination we receive, before compiling a shortlist for the Pride of Manchester judging panel who choose the winners.
All our winners also go forward to the judging process for the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards, in partnership with TSB.
Since it began in 1999, royalty, prime ministers, and hundreds of leading figures from showbusiness, sport, politics and the arts have all taken part.
The show is broadcast every year in a primetime slot on ITV, and it has served up dozens of truly unforgettable moments,
Over the years, amazing winners from Manchester have touched the hearts of the nation.
One of the most moving Pride of Britain moments came in 2017 when Prince William and Ed Sheeran joined young survivors of the Manchester Arena bomb as they were reunited on stage with the medics who had saved their lives, and those of so many others.
And in 2018, little Ella Chadwick stole the show with her cheeky chat as she received her Child of Courage Award from the X Factor judges.
Ella raised thousands of pounds to say thank you to the doctors and nurses who had looked after her at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.
I’ll also never forget Karen Johnson, from Rochdale, who raised millions of pounds for research into the genetic condition that killed her two sons before they reached their teens.
The way she devoted her life to helping others, even in the midst of her own grief, is truly inspirational, and I was thrilled to see her receive her Pride of Britain Award in 2016.
Right now, across Manchester, there are similarly incredible people quietly going about their business of helping others and transforming people’s lives.
They aren’t going to shout about what they do, so you’ll have to do it for them.
If you know someone who deserves a Pride of Manchester Award, tell us about them, and nominate today.
However old or young they are, wherever they live, we would love to thank those exceptional people for making Manchester a better place.
Nominate your unsung heroes online at prideofbritain.com/Manchester
You can nominate anyone of any age for a Pride of Manchester Award. It may be for a single act of incredible courage, a long-lasting battle against the odds, or for inspirational campaigning.
Please choose what you feel to be the most suitable category from the list below.
Don’t worry if you’re not sure - some nominees may fit in more than one category, so we will make sure all nominations are considered for the most appropriate award.
TSB Community Hero
For someone who goes to remarkable lengths to help others lead their best life.
Fundraiser of the Year
For tireless and inspirational charity fundraising, aged 16 and over.
Young Fundraiser of the Year
To reward a young person aged 15 and under for inspirational charity work.
Emergency Services Award
For police, fire, ambulance, paramedics or air, sea or mountain rescue who have gone beyond the call of duty.
Outstanding Bravery
For adults who risk their own safety to to help others in danger.
Child/Teenager of Courage
For battling against the odds to help others, or putting themselves at risk to save someone in danger.
Lifetime Achievement
To recognise far-reaching achievement, possibly on a national or international scale.
Special Recognition
For achievements not covered in other categories, such as inspiring carers, campaigners and members of the armed forces.
