Local Hero Awards 2020: Search is on for parent or guardian of the year

The Edinburgh Evening News is searching for the parent or guardian of the year to be recognised in the Local Hero Awards 2020.

This award aims to recognise a special mum, dad, guardian or parent figure for doing one of the most difficult but rewarding jobs in the world.

In 2019 the award was won by Jimmy and Linda Bevis.

They have been foster carers for more than 35 years, giving their love to around 140 children.

"Strong and kindhearted” mum Linda also brought up her own children in that time, as well as looking after her siblings after she lost her own mother when she was just a teenager.

Nominations for all Local Hero Awards close on September 18.

They can be made via a dedicated site at www.edinburghlocalheroes.co.uk.

Winners will be announced at a live-streamed event at the Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa on October 9.

Nominations are also open for the neighbour of the year award, sponsored by Dog Aid Society.

This award recognises an individual who has gone the extra mile to be a good neighbour.

It is for someone who gives their time to someone who needs company, support and acts selflessly towards making a neighbour’s life more pleasant.

Last year’s award was won by Lesley and Elaine Greer, nominated for welcoming a new neighbour to their community.

The couple have been described as an “amazing support” to their neighbours, helping to babysit, passing food round when needed and ensuring everyone feels part of the community.

A new award has been introduced this year, the Music and Arts award.

This brand new award is for a person or group who has made a difference to the lives of others through music and the arts.

It may be a longstanding music teacher or someone who thrives in helping others through drama, nominate someone you know that deserves this.

The 2019 winner was Kirsty Baird, the musical director of Sing in the City.

She oversaw the community choir project grow to 16 choirs in Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife with 1000 members.

Fundraising for a variety of charities is at the heart of many of Sing in the City’s activities and in the nine years since the organisation was founded, more than £100,000 has been raised.

There are 14 categories in total in the Local Hero Awards 2020.

The award categories are: Volunteer of the Year; Fundraiser of the Year; Neighbour of the Year; Inspirational Young Adult (sponsored by Amazon); Bravery Award (sponsored by Dog Aid Society); Sporting Hero (sponsored by Capital Cars); Parent or Guardian of the Year; Community Champion (sponsored by Lothian); Teacher of the Year (sponsored by Forth 1); Music & Arts Award; Health Champion (sponsored by House of Hearing); Carer of the Year; Junior Local Hero Award and Edinburgh Local Hero Award (both sponsored by Farmer Autocare).

Our charity sponsor this year is Team Jak, and headline sponsor is Farmer Autocare.

A spokesperson for Farmer Autocare said: “We are delighted to once again support the Local Hero Awards. It’s always a real privilege to rightly honour the incredible dedication of people that are improving lives across our local community.

“We are all looking forward to recognising those that have sacrificed time and effort to support family, friends and neighbours through these especially tough times.”

Nominations can be made at www.edinburghlocalheroes.co.uk.

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