We're heading towards the final port of call with ChronicleLive and Fred. Olsen's 'Cruises for Community Heroes' competition.
Community champions across the North East have been put forward by partners, friends, family, colleagues and general volunteers. And there are just days left to nominate someone who you feel deserves the holiday of a lifetime as a thank you for their work in the community.
We don't want someone who deserves a prize to miss out, so if you think there's someone we need to know about, all you need to do is fill in the form at the end of the article, or you can click here.
Read more: North East community heroes nominated in Fred. Olsen's cruise competition
Bill Wilson of Jesmond has been nominated an incredible three times, as he was the sole, unpaid carer for his wife Jo Wilson, who sadly died in January 2023 after being diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia with Alzheimer's. He now volunteers with a charity called Dementia Matters, helping with research projects into Dementia at Newcastle University, and with two local NHS trusts.
Christine Rafferty, one of three to nominate Bill said: "Bill has been outspoken about his struggles with the social care system over the last 2 years, culminating in a heart-breaking BBC film which highlights the emotional strain it caused when a social care package was withdrawn due to lack of carers. He now volunteers with the Alzheimer's Society and is often on BBC news and radio and in the newspapers."
Dorothy Fellows also nominated Bill, saying: "Bill believes the the social care system is broken and wants to see radical changes urgently made and he wants to get the whole world talking about dementia. His story vividly depicts a desperately cruel disease, but a love so powerful it could not be broken."
Finally, Lionel Joyce said: "Making regular appearances on national TV and radio, as well as digital and printed press, Bill works closely with Alzheimers Society and the BBC in order to highlight and fix what he says is a broken care system."
Nominations in the competition will be considered by a panel of judges with the winners receiving a cruise for two with Fred. Olsen.
You could be sending your unsung hero to venture into the Arctic, sail through 30,000 islands on the way to the Swedish capital Stockholm, or seek out whales along the Scottish coast in summertime.
Peter Deer, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Managing Director said: "We set out to help reward those who are doing wonderful things in the areas they live and work, but who expect very little in return, and to see so many selfless tales of community spirit has been truly heart-warming.
"There are just days 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."
Sophie Barley, ChronicleLive Editor added: "We have received so many brilliant and worthy nominations. This is your last chance to enter your local hero, giving them the chance to be rewarded for all they do."
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