In County Durham, our people make the difference. People in the county are uniquely supportive and are a collaborative community of loyal individuals.
The County Durham Together Awards is about all of us.
It is about recognising those individuals, who during the most challenging circumstances, have supported others, fostering a mentality of “bounce back” and normality following periods of isolation and separation.
They have been key in getting the county back to its best and we celebrate their contribution.
Dave Shepherd Procurement Director/Business Partner at SecuriCorp, was one of our lucky winners last year, taking home Small/Medium Company of the Year.
The winner has now also been nominated again this year for Unsung Hero, after working with a local gymnastics centre.
The nomination reads: "Dave has supported our gymnasts to represent team GB with kids from our local gymastics club: Athena Sports Academy in Newton Aycliffe.
"Not only did he sponsor and pay for all the jackets for the team to wear but made a voluntary substantial cash payment to ease the financial strain on the parents to get them over to Amsterdam where they represented GB in a world gymnastics event for 8 days."
Following the news, Dave expressed his joy at the news, stating he was "shocked" to find out.
Dave said: "It was fantastic to win last year. It gives you the drive and a sense of purpose to carry on.
"We enjoy helping people and our community. It was a fantastic night.
"I am shocked but delighted to have been nominated again this year."
Read more: County Durham Together Awards 2023 here's how to enter
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If you've been inspired by Dave's story, or know someone who deserves the same recognition, there's still time to take action.
Nominations for this year's County Durham Together Awards are still open and we need your help to celebrate the best and the brightest from the county.
Nominations are open until noon on Friday, October 6 and you can nominate people in as many categories as you wish.
You can nominate here.
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