A CARER who has been described as an angel has been nominated in this year s Comet Community Awards. Tammy Suckling, of Darwin Road in Stevenage, has been nominated in the Carer of the Year category. Now in its fifth year, The Comet Community Awards aim

A CARER who has been described as "an angel" has been nominated in this year's Comet Community Awards.

Tammy Suckling, of Darwin Road in Stevenage, has been nominated in the Carer of the Year category.

Now in its fifth year, The Comet Community Awards aim to recognise inspirational people who have gone that extra mile, have made huge sacrifices, or have shown selflessness or bravery.

This year's 12 award categories include Young Achiever, Teacher of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Parent in a Million, and Service to the Community.

Tammy has been nominated by Georgina Hancock, of Wisden Road in Stevenage. She is the carer of Georgina's daughter, Sophie, who has developmental delay and attends Greenside School in the town.

Georgina said: "Tammy was called in because Sophie refused to have baths. In the two years Tammy has been coming, Sophie now washes and dresses herself, with a bit of help occasionally.

"Tammy is not only a carer for Sophie, she is now a friend as well."

Georgina said Tammy, 36, even visits Sophie out of hours if Georgina calls and asks for help with something such as giving Sophie a growth hormone injection.

"To me, Tammy is an angel," said Georgina. "If you have a problem, whatever it is, she will sit and listen."

On being told she has been nominated for the award, Tammy said: "I'm gobsmacked. I knew Sophie was trying to tell me something."

She added: "I love my job. I love making a difference to people and their lives."

Tammy has being diagnosed with cancer twice and has had a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery, but she worked throughout her chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment. She said: "I love my job, and I didn't want to let anyone down."

To nominate someone you know for an award, or to discuss sponsorship opportunities, call Sarah Scott on 01438 866023, email her at sarah.scott@archant.co.uk or visit www.thecomet24.co.uk/communityawards

The entry deadline is September 25, but we want to hear about your inspirational stories now, and will feature as many as we can over the coming weeks.

The winners of each award will be invited to a prestigious ceremony which will be held on October 23 at the Ramada Cromwell in Stevenage.