War hero Simon wants unsung heroes of Wrexham recognised

Simon Weston, who was named the Nation’s Favourite Hero in 2014, has joined forces with global hearing specialist Amplifon for The Amplifon Awards for Brave Britons 2019, which will celebrate truly remarkable people who are an example to the nation.

Set up in honour of Amplifon’s founder, Second World War hero Major Charles Holland – who would have celebrated his 100th birthday this year – the awards will recognise the courage and achievement of people from all walks of life in the following categories:

• Service to their Country - To recognise current or former members of the armed forces and emergency services who’ve shown outstanding bravery serving the UK.

• Against all Odds - To a person who has overcome adversity to take on an exceptional challenge or achieve outstanding success.

• Hero Pet - To honour a hearing dog or other animal who has transformed the life of their owner.

• Young Hero - To be given to a young person under 18 who has shown outstanding courage or taken on an exceptional challenge.

• Charity Champion - Sponsored by hearing loss charity Action on Hearing Loss, this award will recognise a volunteer, charity worker or fundraiser who has made a real difference to a cause they care about.

• Active Agers - To an individual aged 60 or over whose attitude and approach to ageing is an inspiration to us all. They could be someone who has achieved significant success in the fields of sport, the arts, business, education or science and technology, or anyone who has accomplished a remarkable feat later in life.

Simon, who will head up the judging panel for the awards, said: “The Amplifon Awards for Brave Britons will shine a light on a very British breed of hero: those who, like Major Charles Holland, through incredible acts of courage, bravery and incredible selflessness, are an inspiration to others.

“We all know someone who deserves recognition for their service to others, their country or community and we’re calling on the public to nominate these amazing individuals.”

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

The winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Army and Navy Club in London on Tuesday, October 15.

A panel of judges will also choose an overall winner from the category winners, who will win a £1,000 trip to Italy.

The closing date for entries is Friday, August 2, and nominations can be made via the Amplifon website