Shortlist revealed for Evening News Local Hero Awards 2018

THEY are the Capital's inspirational residents who have worked tirelessly in the background to help others in their community without the recognition they deserve.

In their absolute dedication to their local area, they have made huge sacrifices to ensure those in need have been able to continue living their life to the fullest and create communities’ to be proud of.

Now, after eight weeks of poring over hundreds of entries, the Evening News is delighted to reveal our finalists for the 2018 Local Hero Awards.

These extraordinary people from across Edinburgh and the Lothians are the unsung heroes of their local communities, often going above and beyond the call of duty only to remain unrecognised for their efforts.

Judges included Jim Kerr, managing director of the event’s main sponsor, Farmer Autocare, Gaynor Marshall, communications director at Lothian transport, Evening News deputy editor Euan McGrory and Allison Barr, founder of the awards’ charity partner Jak’s Den.

In each of the 14 categories, our panel chose the Capital and Lothians residents whose bravery and hard work has gone unnoticed, with the winners to be revealed at the glittering ceremony in June.

This year has seen the introduction of four new awards, including the Fundraiser of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Parent or Guardian of the Year and Sporting Hero Award.

Hundreds of people are set to attend the event, held at the historic Assembly Rooms in the heart of the Capital on Friday, June 15.

Tickets for the Edinburgh Evening News Local Hero Awards ceremony are now available to buy online at www.localheroesedin.co.uk for £55.

THE FULL SHORTLIST

Inspirational Young Adult

RYAN MONTGOMERY

Craigmount High School pupil Ryan founded the Corstorphine

Emergency Response (CER) charity after passing his first aid course at the age of 12. Since then, he has performed lifesaving treatment at a number of community events.

JACK BRODIE

Jack has tirelessly campaigned to raise awareness of skin cancer in young people since he was diagnosed with malignant melanoma at 16. Jack has spoken to young people in schools across the country to highlight the dangers associated with the condition.

CHRIS JACQUIN, RHONA SMITH, STEPHANIE FORREST, STEVEN THORNTON and ANDREW GRIFFIN

The members of Digital Orchestra – part of Edinburgh-based Drake Music Scotland – took centre stage at the Asia Pacific Festival of Disabled Artistes.

Community champion

NAOMI JOHNSTON

Naomi went above and beyond when Edinburgh was battered by the Beast from the East, handing out warm clothing to those spending the night on the streets and volunteering her time for organisations attempting to combat domestic violence.

HEATHER MARSHALL

Heather has continually used her voice to promote the idea that living with mental health problems is nothing to be ashamed of and instead encourages finding ways to cope using the help of friends and family.

WENDY SMITH

Wendy regularly helps older residents go about their daily lives when they may not be able to do so by themselves, often helping to deliver groceries and lend company to the elderly when they need it most.

Sporting Hero

PAUL MACGREGOR

Since founding the Tranent and District community sports club 25 years ago, Paul has been devoted to getting more people involved in sport in the area and enjoy being active.

CAITLIN O’BRIEN

Trampoline world champion Caitlin has racked up a string on impressive awards over the past 12 months, claiming the world title a junior level in the double mini trampoline event in November and earning a silver at the European Senior Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan.

RUAIRI LOGAN

Ruairi is ranked world number five junior in wheelchair tennis and became the latest Brit to add his name to the Cruyff Foundation Junior Masters doubles roll of honour when he partnered Belgium’s Jef Vandorpe to victory in France.

Neighbour of the Year

BRENDA BAILLIE

Brenda hosts annual Hallowe’en and Christmas parties for local children and even manages to gift an Easter basket filled with goodies to children in her community.

ISA MOREY

Isa regularly lends a helping hand to a younger neighbour when she needs it the most, helping out with the large family at mealtimes and ensuring they don’t go hungry.

DOUGLAS NAIRNE

Douglas can regularly be seen tending to communal gardens around Muirhouse and ensuring all bin stores are maintained in a neat and tidy way, keeping up the appearance of the area.

Volunteer of the Year

ANDY BLYTH

Andy has volunteered with Street Soccer Scotland after attending the football drop-in sessions as a player. He had been homeless and suffered with a gambling addiction, but has turned his life around.

GEORGE WILLIS

George began volunteering at the St Raphael’s care home shortly after wife Agnes passed away and has given up his own time to improve residents’ wellbeing, doing everything from providing activities to assisting at meal times.

ELLEN & STEWART

As regular helpers on the Bethany Christian Trust ‘Care Van’ at Waverley Bridge, Ellen is usually found cooking a hot meal and organising breakfast, while Stewart drives the minibus helping to pick up those less fortunate so they have a bed for the night.

Bravery Award

TOM WELLWODD

Tom wrestled control of the Knops beer van when owner and head brewer Bob had a stroke at the wheel doing 70 in the outside lane on the bypass. Tom fearlessly weaved in and out ofbefore guiding the van to safety and rushing his boss to hospital.