I was very privileged to be invited to attend the Hertfordshire Mercury and Herts and Essex Observer Community Awards on Monday evening, as I had been nominated for an 'Unsung Hero' award because of my campaigning to raise awareness of organ donation and was one of the finalists.
Rob and Sarah attended with me and we had a wonderful time starting with a drinks reception, where we were made to feel really welcome and then we were spoiled with a lovely three course dinner before the awards ceremony began. We were entertained by a very talented guitarist and singer - Roxy Searle - and we enjoyed some magical tricks during dinner.
There were a range of categories that people had been nominated for: Carer of the Year, Young Achiever, Unsung Hero, Volunteer of the Year, Good Friend, Lifetime Achievement and Courageous Young Person. It was amazing to hear of all the various accomplishments and achievements that everyone had made - especially those of the children - everyone's stories were truly inspiring.
All our stories were shared with the audience and I was pleased that the presenters stated some of the facts surrounding organ donation - especially informing the audience of the fact that three people die each day waiting for a transplant.
I was delighted to be awarded a highly commended 'Unsung Hero' award and received a beautiful bouquet of flowers and box of chocolates too. The winner of my category was a gentleman who suffers with muscular dystrophy and he had set up a foundation which offers experience days for other muscular dystrophy sufferers.
One of the loveliest things about the whole evening was that we were told to just sit back, relax and enjoy ourselves and we were able to do just that. It was a very memorable and special evening and I think we all came home feeling very relaxed and pampered and that it had been a total pleasure to have been included in the event.
Of course, the unsung heroes in my world are those that sign up to the organ donation register and those that have given the gift of life. My donor will always be my unsung hero.
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