BOXING ace Anthony Joshua is calling on readers to nominate our nation’s “true fighters” by putting them forward for a Sun Who Cares Wins award.
These extraordinary people — from cleaners to porters, nurses to doctors, paramedics and care assistants — are always there in our time of need.
Darren FletcherBoxing ace Anthony Joshua presents a gong at last year’s Who Cares Wins awards alongside Susanna Reid[/caption]
Darren FletcherAnthony with the parents and brother of Unsung Hero winner Rhys Langford, who died aged 19 after raising cash for a fellow cancer sufferer[/caption]
Heavyweight champ Anthony has been a long-time supporter and judge of our annual awards, which celebrate the heroes who work or volunteer in the healthcare sector.
Today, as we open nominations for our sixth annual ceremony, we want to hear the stories of the heroes who have made a difference in YOUR life.
This year’s event will be extra- special as it will celebrate the 75th birthday of the NHS, which was founded on July 5, 1948.
And there is no better way to celebrate this milestone than by nominating your favourite healthcare worker for one of The Sun’s coveted awards.
‘Stories of heroism’
Do you know a midwife who went to incredible lengths to ensure the safe arrival of your little one? Or maybe you work with a pioneering doctor or inspirational nurse?
There are ten different catagories. All you need to do is go to thesun.co.uk/whocareswins and fill out the simple online form for the category you are nominating in.
Nominations should be for something that has happened in the last 12 months, unless it’s for an individual’s hard work over many years.
Entries close on July 31.
Our glittering ceremony, sponsored by the National Lottery and held in partnership with NHS Charities Together, takes place later this year and will be among the many celebrations to mark the NHS turning 75.
Fight ace Anthony said: “It’s my pleasure to launch this year’s awards. It was truly humbling at last year’s ceremony to hear the incredible stories of heroism that play out across the UK.
“I was blown away by the people I met. To me, they are the real stars. Our health heroes are true fighters.”
He added: “The past few years have been incredibly hard for those working on the front line.
WHO’S YOUR HEALTHCARE HERO? NOMINATE THEM FOR OUR AWARDS HERE
“They’ve steered us through the coronavirus pandemic while continuing to try to maintain all other services.
“Our NHS is made up of people from all different backgrounds who come together to selflessly help others.
“They put the great into Great Britain. They don’t do it for the money or for the thanks.
“They are not the sort to put themselves in the spotlight, so this is why The Sun needs YOU to nominate your healthcare hero.”
Anthony went on: “We’ve all had to rely on the NHS at one point or another in our lives.
“My uncle was rushed to hospital after suffering seizures, and the care the staff showed was incredible.
“It’s great these awards give them a night to take centre stage, and it’s a rare chance for them to let their hair down.”
Last year, the 6ft 6in boxer presented 12-year-old Jayden Sorhaindo with our Young Hero award for saving her mum’s life after she nearly drowned in the bath — and admits he was floored by her confidence.
He says: “I was honoured to present Jayden with her award last year. I called her my little angel.
“Jayden was a knockout and far braver than any opponent I’ve faced in boxing.
“She didn’t pull any punches that day and she saved her mum’s life.
“I was actually nervous giving her the award but her confidence to get up on stage at such a young age and speak the way she did was inspiring. We can all learn something from Jayden.”
The boxing champ with carer and Young Hero winner Jayden Sorhaindo, who saved mum Natasha’s life
Darren FletcherJoshua with Best Nurse Dorcas Gwata[/caption]
Anthony was among the celebrities who honoured nominees at last year’s event, which was hosted by Davina McCall and later broadcast on Channel 4.
The bash was also attended by PM Rishi Sunak, pop star Ellie Goulding and GMB TV host Susanna Reid.
Meanwhile, King Charles surprised our Best Doctor winner, Dr Freda Newlands, by presenting her award in person.
The hero medic, who has saved countless lives in Ukraine, was given her gong by His Majesty at Dumfries House, his country home near Ayr, in what turned out to be his final duty as Prince of Wales, before the Queen died the next day.
David Beckham also made a surprise visit to a group of sick children — including a young Manchester United fan — as he paid tribute to the selfless NHS doctors and nurses who organised an extraordinary mission to rescue them from Ukraine.
Medics from Southampton Children’s Hospital and Birmingham Children’s Hospital took home our Best Team award after they helped to evacuate 21 Ukrainian children with cancer to hospitals in England.
NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard, said: “The Sun’s Who Cares Wins awards are an excellent showcase of the brilliant work done by NHS and care staff.
“They offer the perfect opportunity to display the dedication, skill and compassion provided to millions across the country day in, day out.
“And on this momentous year, as we celebrate our 75th birthday, there is no better time to recognise the achievements and efforts of our health and care staff and show our appreciation for their hard work.
“We are incredibly grateful to The Sun for their amazing awards.
“Please do take the time to nominate someone who has made a real difference.”
The Sun’s coveted awards are sponsored by the National Lottery and held in partnership with NHS Charities Together
HELP US TO MARK 75 YEARS
By Ellie Orton, Chief Executive, NHS Charities Together
WE are delighted to be announced as the Who Cares Wins awards official charity partner for what’s sure to be another amazing year – particularly as this summer we mark 75 years of our beloved NHS.
Not that we need it, but this milestone gives us an even bigger reason to celebrate our healthcare heroes – honouring the vital role they have played throughout history and continue to play in all our lives.
As the national charity caring for NHS workers, NHS Charities Together knows the immense contribution that staff make every day to our health service.
They are what make the NHS so special and, through the Who Cares Wins awards, we look forward to hearing your heartfelt stories about how they have gone the extra mile in caring for you or your loved ones.
NHS charities have stood alongside the NHS throughout its history, providing extra support that helps staff, volunteers and patients when they need it most.
From raising money for new buildings and facilities to funding innovative technology and life-changing research, and most recently helping the NHS through the Covid-19 pandemic, the legacy of charitable giving to the NHS spans decades.
As we approach the Who Cares Wins awards – and the 75th anniversary of the NHS on July 5 – we want to invite everyone to celebrate this huge milestone and support your healthcare heroes by hosting an NHS Big Tea event.
Funds raised will make a vital difference and help us to keep supporting the people of the NHS for generations to come.
To find out how you can support the NHS charity that means the most to you, visit nhsbigtea.co.uk.
Online Form – Health Awards 2023
Refugee doc: ‘My proudest moment’
THE winner of last year’s Caroline Flack Mental Health Hero award was forced to flee Lebanon as a teenager.
After his home in the war-torn country was bombed, Dr Ahmed Hankir dropped out of his medical degree in 2006 and had suicidal thoughts.
Paul EdwardsDr Ahmed Hankir wins Caroline Flack Mental Health Hero 2022 gong[/caption]
But thanks to life-saving treatment from an NHS psychiatrist, he was able to resume his studies and qualify as a psychiatrist.
The 41-year- old mental health campaigner believes winning the award changed his life.
Dr Ahmed, who works at the Maudsley Hospital in Denmark Hill, South East London, says: “The Sun’s Who Cares Wins awards recognise the selfless and tireless service that healthcare workers provide.
“Receiving the Caroline Flack Mental Health Hero award at the star-studded event in London was one of the proudest moments in my entire life.
“I met so many wonderful like-minded and like-hearted people including Anthony Joshua and Mel B, and I felt so empowered and inspired when giving my acceptance speech.
“The special thank-you message I got from Lewis Hamilton was a huge surprise and I will never forget his words.
“Memories of The Sun’s Who Cares Wins award will remain with me for the rest of my life.”
Carmela a wonder
CARMELA CHILLERY-WATSON, nine, says winning our Young Hero award in 2021 made her feel like a superstar.
The youngster – who has a rare form of muscular dystrophy – received the gong after walking hundreds of miles dressed as Wonder Woman to raise £100,000 for research into her type of illness.
Darren FletcherCarmela says winning our Young Hero award in 2021 made her feel like a superstar[/caption]
Carmela – whose courage captured the heart of Prince William – recalled: “I was so shocked to hear I’d won, especially with so many other great and worthy people who’d done awesome stuff to help others.
“The awards evening was absolutely amazing. I felt like a VIP, and it was such a special feeling having my name called out.”
Mum Lucy, from Devizes, Wilts, said: “I was so proud to see my little hero on stage.”
War hero’s royal honour
DR FREDA NEWLANDS, from Dumfries and Galloway, was named Best Doctor last year.
Dr Freda was surprised with her gong ahead of the awards by King Charles when she visited his stately home, Dumfries House, for what she thought was a standard reception for nominees.
Working with charity UK-Med, Dr Freda, who only trained as a doctor in her forties, travelled to Ukraine where she helped save lives following the outbreak of war.
She said: “It was with increasing degrees of shock I found out I was initially nominated, then shortlisted and finally awarded the Best Doctor at the Who Cares Wins awards last year.
“I was completely speechless when I was presented with the award by Prince Charles during the afternoon before Queen Elizabeth died.
“He was so interested in my work overseas and knew of all the situations which had taken me to the war-torn and disaster-stricken countries.
“It was the honour of a lifetime to meet him.”