There’s no doubt in Lara Evans’s mind that her mum, Rachel Lowe, is an NHS heroine.

She has been an nurse for 14 years, and regularly works 70-hour weeks looking after staff and patients at Hereford County Hospital, where she works as a matron.

Rachel is one of the early nominations for the Hereford Times Health and Social Care Awards 2018.

The awards aim to recognise hard work, dedication, innovation and high standards in the health and care sector in Herefordshire.

Lara, of Hereford, who has nominated her mum in the Good Nurse Award category, says: “Working those extra hours is not to line her pockets.

“She does not accept anything back in return as, working in a care profession, her reward is her patients’ good health and wellbeing.

“But I feel she deserves to be recognised as one of Hereford’s outstanding care workers.”

Another nomination has come from Richard Baker, of Elgar Care, Hereford.

He has put forward Diane Preece for the Care Newcomer Award.

“Diane has such a kind, caring nature,” says Richard. “She has been working as a carer for a very long time and has build up an immense set of skills and experience.

“She can understand every client, and no matter what the challenge Diane will face it and complete it.”

In the Palliative/End of Life category of the awards, Mel Woodhouse, who works for the Marie Curie charity, has been singled out for praise.

Richard Young, who nominated her, said: “She truly is one in a million and is so deserving, although she would beg to differ.

“She is an inspiration to my daughter, who is following in her footsteps and works for the hospice.”

The awards will be presented in a glitzy ceremony later this year.

Supplements in the Hereford Times and coverage on our website will include the full list of awards up for grabs, and which are finally shortlisted.

Our independent judging panel will sift through your nominations and identify those with the qualities they feel best match the award category criteria. They will make their decision based on the content of the nomination rather than the number of nominations received.

Join us in applauding those who contribute so much for others in Herefordshire.