AS PREPARATIONS accelerate for the 2023 Pride of Andover Awards, the return of a category sponsor has been announced.

The Commercial Centre has returned as the sponsor for the Sue Sheppard Award, an extra special award within the event.

The award celebrates inspiring individuals who have turned their lives around against all odds, demonstrating personal courage, bravery or endeavour to overcome personal challenges, showing that with hard work, passion and belief anyone, despite their circumstances, can make a success of things.

In memory of the late Sue Sheppard, who sadly died in 2014, the award was established to honour her outstanding dedication to Andover. Notably, she worked for the Prince's Trust and the Pride of Andover Awards from 2007-2012.

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Simon Potter of The Commercial Centre said: “I chose to support the Sue Sheppard Award again this year because I knew Sue well so this category, and continuing her memory, means a lot to me. There are so many selfless, passionate and community-minded people in Andover, all doing wonderful things for our town that go totally unnoticed, and I believe it’s vital that these people receive the recognition they absolutely deserve.”

The Pride of Andover Awards provides the opportunity to show recognition to an amazing person who may otherwise remain an unsung hero. There are 11 award categories, with a special award, the Sue Sheppard Award, to select from.

Nominations open on July 1, 2023, at the awards website: prideofandoverawards.org.uk/nominate.

SEE ALSO: Longtime sponsor of Pride of Andover Awards returns

The categories and sponsors for the Pride of Andover Awards 2023 are:

  • Spirit of Andover Award – Overall Winner - New Street Dental Care
  • Young Person of the Year Award - Bear Behind
  • Sue Sheppard Award – The Commercial Centre
  • Sports Award – Acroud Media Ltd
  • Services Award – The DeeDee Trust
  • Mayor of Test Valley – Bulpitt Print
  • Inspiring Others Award – Andover Aesthetics Practitioners
  • Heart of Gold Award – Carpet Cleaning Lady
  • Fundraiser Award – Purple Oak Support
  • Community Champion Award – Ocado
  • Arts Award – The Rock House

On July 1 nominations for the Pride of Andover Awards 2023 will commence and will remain open until midnight on August 31.

These awards are set to recognise and reward the unsung heroes of the Andover town. Individuals who dedicate their time and effort into making the lives of others easier, yet they often do not get the recognition they deserve.