NOMINATIONS for the Hull Daily Mail's Pride of East Yorkshire Awards close today to allow the judging process to begin.
Dozens of inspirational people who deserve recognition have been put forward.
The aim of the annual awards is to find ordinary people who have achieved extraordinary things and to publicly recognise them for everything they do.
It is the second year the Mail has run the awards and the response has been overwhelming, with some inspirational people being put forward.
Jamie Macaskill, the Mail's deputy editor, said: "Thank you to each and every one of you who has taken the time to nominate your unsung hero.
"We have been really pleased with the high calibre of nominations, we have been told some truly inspirational stories and the judges will no doubt find it hard to whittle down the nominations to just three per category.
"I'd like to congratulate everyone who has been put forward in these awards – not everyone can be shortlisted but everyone who has been nominated deserves credit.
"These awards really do highlight the good work that is being done each and every day by people behind the scenes who work tirelessly for the sake of others.
"We now look forward to seeing who makes the shortlist and look forward to celebrating with the winners at the final."
Nominees range from well-known people in the community, including Simon Moreton, who dresses as Batman to collect money for charity, to everyday members of the public such as dad John Hutchinson, who was nominated by his daughter Laura due to the care he provides for his epileptic wife.
In the Child of Courage category, the Mail has been told of a dozen children who are battling illness or have showed bravery beyond their years and also of children who give their time for the sake of others.
Samantha Rouse, of west Hull, has nominated her four-year-old son, Jacob.
She said: "I am nominating my brave little solider Jacob. I'm super proud of him and privileged that he calls me mummy.
"Jacob was diagnosed with retinoblastoma when he was six months old. He endured months of chemotherapy, which made him a very poorly little boy.
"He also received laser treatment to his eyes and has been left blind in his left eye.
"Jacob spends lots of time in hospital for various appointments and never complains.
"Despite what he has been through he is the most amazing little boy you will ever meet. His illness has made him stronger.
"Jacob has also taken part in fundraising for the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust and has been on the television and national newspapers to raise awareness of retinoblastoma."
Under the Public Service Award category, we have had nominations for everyone from doctors and police officers to council workers and firefighters.
Sandra Doy, who works for Victim Support, was nominated by the victim of a sexual attack.
The woman who nominated Mrs Doy said: "I presumed when people go through traumatic experiences they may get help just through some form of counselling, yet having been through such a horrendous ordeal, I now know there are far more heroes out there who help people through such traumatic times.
"The difference with Sandra is, she doesn't see this as a job; this is more of a life choice. She cares so much about the people she counsels.
"I can't even tell you the amount of times I have phoned her when I have needed some support and advice, when I have been so upset, angry, hurt and felt so worthless because of what has happened that I've felt there has been nowhere else to turn, but there has been, Sandra has been there.
"No matter what time of the day or night, she'll always be at the end of the phone.
"She listens to every feeling, thought and emotion you may be going through and she doesn't judge, just offers endless amounts of support."
The most popular category for nominations was the Charity Champion category.
Organisations including 65 Roses, Golden Leaves, Harry's Fund and The Society of Mice have all been nominated, as well as individuals such as Darren Hoult, who raises money for charity despite suffering Parkinson's Disease.
Businesses will also be recognised in the awards and a number of well-known companies including Neil Hudgell Solicitors, Prospect Shopping Centre and Napoleons Casino have all received nominations.
Judges, including Gary Sainty, of the Humber Sports Partnership; David Gemmell, chairman of The Deep; James Mooney, of Hull City; the Mail's Jamie Macaskill; and Natasha Banke, of the Children's University, will choose one overall winner to receive the Pride of East Yorkshire Award, which will be announced on August 7.
