Nominate the next unsung hero of Pride in Sheffield awards

Last month Graham Bell, a 92-year-old Navy D-Day veteran who fundraises tirelessly for charities around the city, was revealed as the fourth winner of The Moor Pride in Sheffield Community Champion Awards.

The great-grandfather from Handsworth was nominated for his voluntary work supporting good causes such as Weston Park Hospital, the Royal Society for the Blind and the Guide Dogs, as well as his willingness to visit children at Sheffield schools, where he delivers an unforgettable message in history classes.

He was made an MBE in 2005 for his charity work, and received the Légion d'honneur - France's highest military distinction - in 2017 for his service in the Second World War. The latter achievement came not long after he gained a degree in French from Sheffield University, aged 90.

Now a fifth worthy candidate is sought. Awards are being handed out to individuals who strive to improve the lives of others but don’t always get the recognition they deserve.

Champions will be picked from each of the city's six parliamentary constituencies. Graham lives in the Sheffield South East district, and the next area of focus will be Sheffield Hallam.

Winners are being highlighted in The Star and on a special display on The Moor, where thousands will see their story. The campaign is being run alongside Aberdeen Asset Management, which owns the revamped shopping street and is giving each champion £250 to put towards their cause. Recipients will also collect special treats from the development’s shops and attractions including The Light cinema and Primark.

The first community champion to be recognised was Tessa Lupton, of Fox Hill in the Brightside and Hillsborough constituency, who was nominated for her campaign to get new play equipment installed at Wolfe Road Park, which had been targeted by vandals.

Then Liz Godfrey, of Endcliffe in Sheffield Central, was revealed as the second winner. She was picked for her role as a co-ordinator of the local Heritage Open Days, an annual programme that has rapidly grown in popularity since she took the helm with fellow helpers.

The third champion was Richard Hay, development manager of the Double Six Youth Club in Woodseats, in Sheffield Heeley. He was nominated for his work leading an organisation that, locally at least, stands virtually alone - a place where young people aged eight to 19 can gather, socialise and enjoy activities from cooking to sports, arts and crafts.

To nominate a candidate email [email protected], outlining who you have picked, why, where they are from and including contact details.