GLOBE readers are being urged to nominate their Coronavirus heroes for a prestigious national award.

The organisers of Amplifon's annual Brave Britons awards want to hear your tales of those special people whose dedication and courage has made a difference to others in their communities during the crisis.

They could be doctors or nurses; paramedics, police or armed forces; volunteers, carers, or even children. People who are fighting day and night to save lives; stem the spread of the virus; or simply, making people’s lives happier during the nation’s lockdown.

Paula Cave, general manager of Amplifon UK and Ireland, said: "We honour our nation’s heroes each year with our Amplifon Awards for Brave Britons, but this year is so very different.

"Every day we are witnessing hundreds, if not thousands of heroes, who are battling to save all our lives in the fight against Covid-19.

“If you think a friend or family member, or just someone you have heard of or read about during the crisis deserves nominating for our award please put their name forward.

“These are special people of our time. People who deserve special recognition and honour when this is all over."

The are eight categories this year:

  • Service to their country (for military and uniformed services)
  • Against all odds 
  • Hero pet 
  • Young hero (for youngsters up to the age of 17) 
  • Charity champion
  • Active agers (for people over 60)
  • Single act of bravery
  • Hero celebrity

Nominations can be made via the Amplifon website https://www.amplifon.com/uk/about-us/brave-briton-awards

The winners will be announced at a ceremony scheduled to be held at the Army and Navy Club in London on Wednesday, September 30.

Falklands war veteran Simon Weston is urging Globe readers to nominate for this year's awards.

The author, motivational speaker and former Welsh Guardsman - who sustained life-changing injuries when the ship Sir Galahad was destroyed in Bluff Cove on the Falkland Islands during the conflict in 1982 - was named the Nation's Favourite Hero in 2014.

He has joined forces with global hearing specialist Amplifon for The Amplifon Awards for Brave Britons, which celebrate truly remarkable people who are an example to the nation.

Simon's name and face have become well known for his struggle to overcome his injuries and redefine his role in life.

He endured years of re-constructive surgery, including 70 major operations or surgical procedures and hopes his story will be motivational.

Urging our readers to nominate, Simon said: "We all know someone who deserves recognition for their service to others, their country or community and we're calling on the people of the Wirral to nominate these amazing individuals."

Set up in honour of Amplifon's founder, Second World War hero Major Charles Holland, the awards recognise courage and achievement in the categories of outstanding military bravery, overcoming adversity to take on an exceptional challenge and contribution to the community.

Animals who have transformed the lives of their owners will also be honoured in the Hero Pet category.

Charles Holland was decorated by the British and American military for his bravery behind enemy lines during the Second World War.

He was awarded the MBE and the Military Cross and received the Bronze Star from the United States Government in 1948.

After the war the courageous veteran dedicated his life to providing better hearing for people affected by the conflict and in 1950 launched Amplifon, which has become a global company specialising in providing the best in class hearing solutions and devices.

Simon Weston continued: "The Amplifon Awards for Brave Britons will shine a light on a very British breed of hero.

"Those, like Amplifon founder and Second World War hero Major Charles Holland, who through incredible acts of courage, selflessness and dedication, are an inspiration to others."