Edinburgh Local Hero Awards 2022: Just over a week left to nominate your community heroes

There is just over one week left to nominate your local heroes for our annual awards, and we’re asking you to shine a light on anyone who has gone above and beyond in the community.

Nominations for the Edinburgh Local Hero Awards close on October 14, with winners announced at a glam ceremony at Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa on December 7.

And as an added incentive to nominate, the event’s headline sponsor @pizza is offering everyone who nominates a 25 per cent discount at their restaurants.

One person who knows all about the impact the awards can have is Olivia Strong, who bagged not one but two of the honours at last year’s event.

Euan McGrory announces the Fundraiser of the year award, won by Olivia Strong

One of those was Fundraiser of the Year, which recognises someone who dedicates their time to raising money and awareness for a charity.

She also won the Edinburgh Local Hero Award, sponsored by @pizza, which is the highlight of the night and is awarded to an individual who the judging panel considers to be our Capital’s hero.

Judges select the winner either from entries received from other categories or from nominations specifically for this category. The award will go to someone who judges believe stand out above all other nominations.

Olivia was certainly that person in 2021 after she set up the Run For Heroes during lockdown.

Rupert Lyle, from @pizza

Run For Heroes was a virtual fundraising challenge on social media which asked people to run 5k, donate £5 and nominate five others to do the same.

Olivia’s idea went on to raise more than £7million for the NHS Charities Covid-19 Appeal.

It also encouraged more than 1.5million people across the UK to get active and Run For Heroes is now a charity body in Scotland with a main aim of encouraging people to move their bodies.

We can now announce the judges who will be choosing the winners of each of the 13 categories.

Sam Currie is on the judging panel

Sam Currie, who works in the fundraising team at Maggie’s Edinburgh, Rupert Lyle, founder of @pizza, Cammy Day, leader of Edinburgh council, and Rhoda Morrison, editor at the Edinburgh Evening News, will have the difficult task of whittling down all the incredible nominations to just 13 winners.

The other categories in which awards are up for grabs are: Volunteer of the Year, Neighbour of the Year, Inspirational Young Adult (sponsored by Openreach), Bravery Award (sponsored by Porsche), Sporting Hero, Parent or Guardian of the Year, Community Champion (sponsored by CityFibre), Teacher of the Year, Music and Arts Award, Health Champion, Carer of the Year and Junior Local Hero Award (sponsored by Edinburgh Zoo).

To nominate your community stars, visit www.edinburghlocalheroes.co.uk