I’m delighted to be supporting the Leicester Mercury’s Carer of the Year Awards, which are a brilliant opportunity to celebrate the huge contribution carers make to our community.

Hundreds of older and disabled people in Leicester depend on unpaid care and support from their family and friends. The dedication and selflessness of these carers is nothing short of inspirational. They are unsung heroes and deserve our full recognition and support.

There are also hundreds of paid care staff who are just as committed to their work. It’s so much more than a job for them. Many go the extra mile to look after some of the most vulnerable people in our society, yet too often we don’t see or champion their work.

Now it’s over to you to nominate a carer you know – the kind of person who puts the needs of others before their own. Let’s give them the recognition they have rightly earned. To nominate someone, call Nikki Kandola at the Leicester Mercury on 0116 2224310 or e-mail her at: nikkikandola {at} .co(.)uk. The categories are:

Care Home Worker of the Year / Care Home of the Year / Home Carer of the Year / Dementia Carer of the Year / Young Carer of the Year / Voluntary Sector Worker of the Year / Nurse of the Year / Supporting Independence / Special Recognition Award