Caring Flo is a true hero

​People like Flo Palmer are what the Pride of Gloucestershire Community Awards are all about.

Not only does the pensioner from Gloucester look after her disabled husband, but she set up the Golden Years Club for the African Caribbean community – a place where they can meet and socialise on a regular basis.

Mrs Palmer, 75, was last year’s winner in the Caring Hero category of the awards.

She said: “I was so shocked when I won it – over the moon. I just couldn’t believe it. I thoroughly enjoyed my day out at the award ceremony.”

The Citizen and its sister title, The Gloucestershire Echo, have launched the hugely successful awards for the fourth year to honour the county’s unsung heroes who make life worth living for others.

There are seven categories to choose from – Local Hero, Brave Heart Hero, Community Project, Caring Hero, Environmental Hero, Public Sector Hero, and for the first time, Volunteer Hero.

Citizen editor Ian Mean said: “We’re hoping for a wide range of entries in the Caring Hero category.

“There are so many carers in our society, looking after sick relatives, neighbours or friends.

“There are people who do caring things for others, shopping for the elderly, giving their time to help those less fortunate, or putting themselves out for their community.

“We would like to honour these people because they have a caring heart. They don’t need to be a full time carer to be nominated so please, if you know someone who fits the description, let us know.”

A glitzy award ceremony will take place at Gloucester Rugby, Kingsholm, on June 25 when 2010’s winners will be announced. The deadline for nominations is March 19. Simply complete a nomination form which will appear in the paper every day and send to Lynn Elson, 2 Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 9QB.

Or submit it  online at www.thisisgloucestershire. co.uk/pride.