BOXING ace Anthony Joshua is calling on readers to nominate our nation’s “true fighters” by putting them forward for a Sun Who Cares Wins award.
These extraordinary people — from cleaners to porters, nurses to doctors, paramedics and care assistants — are always there in our time of need.
Heavyweight champ Anthony has been a long-time supporter and judge of our annual awards, which celebrate the heroes who work or volunteer in the healthcare sector.
Today, as we open nominations for our sixth annual ceremony, we want to hear the stories of the heroes who have made a difference in YOUR life.
This year’s event will be extra- special as it will celebrate the 75th birthday of the NHS, which was founded on July 5, 1948.
From tongue scraping to saying no, here are 12 health trends to try in 2023
And there is no better way to celebrate this milestone than by nominating your favourite healthcare worker for one of The Sun’s coveted awards.
‘Stories of heroism’
Do you know a midwife who went to incredible lengths to ensure the safe arrival of your little one? Or maybe you work with a pioneering doctor or inspirational nurse?
There are ten different catagories. All you need to do is go to thesun.co.uk/whocareswins and fill out the simple online form for the category you are nominating in.
Nominations should be for something that has happened in the last 12 months, unless it’s for an individual’s hard work over many years.
Entries close on July 31.
Our glittering ceremony, sponsored by the National Lottery and held in partnership with NHS Charities Together, takes place later this year and will be among the many celebrations to mark the NHS turning 75.
Fight ace Anthony said: “It’s my pleasure to launch this year’s awards. It was truly humbling at last year’s ceremony to hear the incredible stories of heroism that play out across the UK.
“I was blown away by the people I met. To me, they are the real stars. Our health heroes are true fighters.”
He added: “The past few years have been incredibly hard for those working on the front line.
“They’ve steered us through the coronavirus pandemic while continuing to try to maintain all other services.
How to de-clutter if you have a beauty stash to last you a lifetime
“Our NHS is made up of people from all different backgrounds who come together to selflessly help others.
"They put the great into Great Britain. They don’t do it for the money or for the thanks.
"They are not the sort to put themselves in the spotlight, so this is why The Sun needs YOU to nominate your healthcare hero.”
Anthony went on: “We’ve all had to rely on the NHS at one point or another in our lives.
“My uncle was rushed to hospital after suffering seizures, and the care the staff showed was incredible.
"It’s great these awards give them a night to take centre stage, and it’s a rare chance for them to let their hair down.”
Last year, the 6ft 6in boxer presented 12-year-old Jayden Sorhaindo with our Young Hero award for saving her mum’s life after she nearly drowned in the bath — and admits he was floored by her confidence.
He says: “I was honoured to present Jayden with her award last year. I called her my little angel.
"Jayden was a knockout and far braver than any opponent I’ve faced in boxing.
"She didn’t pull any punches that day and she saved her mum’s life.
"I was actually nervous giving her the award but her confidence to get up on stage at such a young age and speak the way she did was inspiring. We can all learn something from Jayden.”
Anthony was among the celebrities who honoured nominees at last year’s event, which was hosted by Davina McCall and later broadcast on Channel 4.
The bash was also attended by PM Rishi Sunak, pop star Ellie Goulding and GMB TV host Susanna Reid.
Meanwhile, King Charles surprised our Best Doctor winner, Dr Freda Newlands, by presenting her award in person.
The hero medic, who has saved countless lives in Ukraine, was given her gong by His Majesty at Dumfries House, his country home near Ayr, in what turned out to be his final duty as Prince of Wales, before the Queen died the next day.
David Beckham also made a surprise visit to a group of sick children — including a young Manchester United fan — as he paid tribute to the selfless NHS doctors and nurses who organised an extraordinary mission to rescue them from Ukraine.
Medics from Southampton Children’s Hospital and Birmingham Children’s Hospital took home our Best Team award after they helped to evacuate 21 Ukrainian children with cancer to hospitals in England.
NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard, said: “The Sun’s Who Cares Wins awards are an excellent showcase of the brilliant work done by NHS and care staff.
"They offer the perfect opportunity to display the dedication, skill and compassion provided to millions across the country day in, day out.
“And on this momentous year, as we celebrate our 75th birthday, there is no better time to recognise the achievements and efforts of our health and care staff and show our appreciation for their hard work.
"We are incredibly grateful to The Sun for their amazing awards.
“Please do take the time to nominate someone who has made a real difference.”
Refugee doc: ‘My proudest moment’
THE winner of last year’s Caroline Flack Mental Health Hero award was forced to flee Lebanon as a teenager.
After his home in the war-torn country was bombed, Dr Ahmed Hankir dropped out of his medical degree in 2006 and had suicidal thoughts.
But thanks to life-saving treatment from an NHS psychiatrist, he was able to resume his studies and qualify as a psychiatrist.
The 41-year- old mental health campaigner believes winning the award changed his life.
Dr Ahmed, who works at the Maudsley Hospital in Denmark Hill, South East London, says: “The Sun’s Who Cares Wins awards recognise the selfless and tireless service that healthcare workers provide.
"Receiving the Caroline Flack Mental Health Hero award at the star-studded event in London was one of the proudest moments in my entire life.
"I met so many wonderful like-minded and like-hearted people including Anthony Joshua and Mel B, and I felt so empowered and inspired when giving my acceptance speech.
“The special thank-you message I got from Lewis Hamilton was a huge surprise and I will never forget his words.
"Memories of The Sun’s Who Cares Wins award will remain with me for the rest of my life.”
Carmela a wonder
CARMELA CHILLERY-WATSON, nine, says winning our Young Hero award in 2021 made her feel like a superstar.
The youngster – who has a rare form of muscular dystrophy – received the gong after walking hundreds of miles dressed as Wonder Woman to raise £100,000 for research into her type of illness.
Carmela – whose courage captured the heart of Prince William – recalled: “I was so shocked to hear I’d won, especially with so many other great and worthy people who’d done awesome stuff to help others.
“The awards evening was absolutely amazing. I felt like a VIP, and it was such a special feeling having my name called out.”
Mum Lucy, from Devizes, Wilts, said: “I was so proud to see my little hero on stage.”
