LAST-minute nominations for the 2011 Community Pride Awards have flooded in, with people across the city eager to highlight the efforts of their unsung heroes in health services.

Yvonne Wright, of Lowmill Close, has nominated the Yorkshire Air Ambulance crew after her son Will watched them save his friend Jake Hardcastle when he was hit by a motorcycle on the A166 earlier this month.

Yvonne said: “I have regularly watched Helicopter Heroes on television. We are always amazed at the recovery of people we see on the programme because of the speed and expertise of these flying doctors.

“Will was present when his friend was involved in an accident and airlifted to Leeds with life threatening injuries. They saved his life, so we have committed to raising money for this charity, and believe it should have Government funding.”

Leeann Branton, of Huntington, nominated Steve Marr, clinical director at TayCare Medical Ltd, for Health Service Hero, after he helped her daughter Lucy, who has cerebral palsy, get used to her specialist medical footwear.

She said: “He truly is a lovely man who goes about his work with a sense of compassion and understanding.

“Nothing is too much trouble and he will stay late to fit people into his clinic. Without him, our daughter would not have been able to use a standing frame or take a few steps in her walker, as Steve ensures the safety and protection of her growing bones.”

Doreen Foster, a specialist nurse, was nominated for her 16 years working with York and District Against Motor Neuron Disease (YAMND), and was awarded the High Sheriff’s Certificate in a ceremony earlier this year.

Hazel Allison, chairwoman of YAMND, nominated Doreen, and said: “Doreen is indeed a remarkable lady, and has touched the lives of many, always for the better.

She would never feel that she is doing anything out of the ordinary, but the many letters we receive prove this to be so wrong.”

Nominations for the 2011 awards have now closed, and the shortlist of finalists will be announced next month.