A VOLUNTEER who supports a medical research charity has been nominated for The Comet Community Awards - held in association with Garden Square Shopping Centre Letchworth - for her loyalty, commitment and dedication.

The annual awards honour those who have committed selfless acts or have gone that extra mile to help others - from charity workers and volunteers to teachers and parents. Those nominated and subsequently shortlisted will be invited to a special ceremony in May.

Christine Bird, of Lymans Road in Arlesey, has volunteered for the Dr Hadwen Trust (DHT) in Hitchin since 2004.

DHT funds medical research that does not harm animals and has helped in the fight against diseases such as cancer, heart disease and mental health disorders.

On a weekly basis, Christine helps out at the charity’s head office with admin duties, such as filing and archiving, and helps out with fundraising appeals.

She has been nominated by DHT in the Community Awards’ Valiant Volunteer category. She has also been named Volunteer of the Year in the charity’s own awards.

Kailah Eglington, the charity’s chief executive, said: “Volunteers are the lifeblood of the charity and really do make a tremendous difference.

“We are lucky to have a fantastic network of volunteers around the country who help with fundraising, as well as in our head office in Hitchin.

“We chose to nominate Christine in recognition of her loyalty, commitment and dedication to the charity over many years.”

Christine said: “I volunteer for the Dr Hadwen Trust because I share the charity’s passion to try to find alternatives to experimenting on animals and I wanted to take an active role in helping the team reach its aim.

“I never expected anything back and so this is all a wonderful surprise - the icing on the cake.”

This year’s Community Awards are in association with Garden Square Shopping Centre Letchworth, and are sponsored by North Hertfordshire College, North Hertfordshire Homes and Specsavers.

The categories for nominations are as follows: Young Achiever of the Year, Carer of the Year, Service to Community Award, Teacher of the Year, Valiant Volunteer of the Year, Parent in a Million Award, Nurse/Care worker of the year, Great and Green Award, Good Neighbour Award, Role Model of the Year, Charity Champion of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award.

To enter, simply log on to www.thecomet24.co.uk/communityawards and explain just what fantastic work is being carried out in Comet country.