Seahouses lifeboat volunteer up for national award

Hundreds of nominations recognising outstanding care across the country were received in this year’s Towergate Care Awards.

The judges have reviewed all nominations which have been whittled down to a final shortlist, with David Fordy, from Seahouses, making it to the final three in the Volunteer of the Year category.

David, who is also a parish councillor, has been a volunteer on Seahouses lifeboat for 27 years. During this time, he has saved many, many lives by rescuing people, boats and even animals from the perils of the sea. Recently, David used his experience and local knowledge to find a missing man, who is lucky to be alive today, after two hours.

Now in its second year, the Towergate Care Awards recognise and pay tribute to individuals who go above and beyond to deliver the best quality care every day. The winners of all 10 categories will be revealed at a lunchtime event held at The Dorchester hotel, London, on Thursday, March 23.

Each of the categories reflect the diversity of caring in all its many forms. There is also a final award, the Towergate Care Awards Winner 2017, who will be chosen from all of the finalists.

The ceremony later this month will be hosted by TV presenter and actress Denise Van Outen who will have just returned from her charity bike ride around India.

Kirsty Wainwright-Noble, from Towergate, an insurance intermediary, said: “Towergate has long-standing relationships with many care organisations across the country, so we know the vital role carers play and have witnessed the high level of commitment and dedication from people working in this industry.

“We were astounded by the number of entries we received and it wasn’t easy to narrow down the nominations as they were all incredibly deserving in their own right. However, we believe the shortlisted individuals have demonstrated the highest level of excellence in care and deserve their moment in the spotlight.”

Denise Van Outen said: “We’ve seen some phenomenal entries from the caring community and I’ve been moved by many of the stories I’ve read. I am excited to meet the shortlisted carers at the awards ceremony later this month and am really looking forward to hearing more about each of their remarkable stories.

“The event will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate those who deserve recognition for their outstanding contribution to the care industry.”