Hawick Volunteer Flood Group has been nominated for FloodRe’s 2017 Local Heroes Award, which includes a £10,000 prize.
The award, organised by flood insurance specialist FloodRe and supported by NFU Mutual and Covea Insurance, is in search of a local individual or group who have shown leadership and resilience around their flood relief efforts and are worthy of national recognition. The top prize will provide support for their ongoing efforts in the local community.
Local MP John Lamont is calling for constituents to nominate any group of individual who has made a difference in their local community as their local heroes.
The MP has nominated Hawick Volunteer Flood Group, which for the past decade has provided invaluable support to residents and businesses, particularly in the terrible flooding at the end of 2015.
The nomination has been welcomed by Hawick Councillor and Flood Group Co-ordinator Stuart Marshall, who says that if successful, the funding would go a long way to securing the Flood Group’s future until the Hawick Flood Protection Scheme is in place.
John Lamont MP said: “There are lots of examples of individuals and groups going above and beyond in response to flooding in the Borders so I would encourage people to nominate their local hero.
“When I heard about this award, Hawick Volunteer Flood Group immediately sprung to mind. Their efforts over the past few years and response to major flooding events, most notably in December 2015, would make them a very deserving winner.
“The Flood Group are made up of ordinary folk who give up their time for the safety of others. They leapt out of their beds at ungodly hours to help residents and provided invaluable notice to homes and businesses. In the rain and bad weather they are to be found monitoring the river levels of the Teviot and Slitrig which flow through Hawick.
“Their quick work in December 2015 helped immensely with the evacuation of more than 600 residents and avoid any tragic loss of life. They are truly national heroes who have made a huge difference in Hawick.”
Chairman of Hawick Volunteer Flood Group, Councillor Stuart Marshall said: “It was great news to learn this week that John Lamont MP has nominated the Hawick Volunteer Flood Group for such an award. John has been a great supporter of the Flood Group and has saw first-hand the excellent work that the volunteers carry out on behalf of their Community. "
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Notes to Editors
More information on FloodRe’s Local Hero award can be found here:
https://www.floodre.co.uk/localheroes/
Entries close on 18 September 2017 when nominations will be collected and the judging process will begin. The shortlisted nominees will be notified by 6 October 2017 and will be invited to a national awards ceremony.