Today Suffolk’s seven MPs have chosen their winners of the ‘Suffolk heroes awards’. The awards celebrate some amazing individuals and teams across Suffolk, who have given so much to their local communities as we faced the pandemic.

Suffolk MPs have received a flood of nominations of individuals and teams the public felt deserving of recognition for their efforts. Award winners range from vaccination volunteers, NHS frontline workers, members of care staff and some of our fantastic volunteers supporting our local charities. Winners will receive their awards over the coming week

Commenting on the winners from the Bury St Edmunds constituency Jo Churchill MP said

“The response to the call for nominations has been fantastic and reinforces what we already knew that Suffolk is full of some really amazing individuals. Although these awards are only a small gesture I hope they help to show individuals in our community who give so much, often quietly, how much they are appreciated by their communities who have nominated every single one of them. It is kindness, generosity and a caring nature that makes Suffolk’s people one of the reasons our county is so great and these awards highlight that fact. Congratulations to all the winners!”

Matt Hancock MP said

“I can think of no better way to celebrate Suffolk Day than by recognising the Suffolk Heroes who did so much during the pandemic to help others in their communities. They have done so selflessly and with a wonderful giving spirit. It was a huge pleasure to learn about all the good work that is being done by our incredible Suffolk volunteers and I thank them for all their efforts.”

Therese Coffey MP said

“I’m really proud of how every single one of our communities have together during coronavirus – with help and support available via local groups in every corner of our county. This has only been possible by the huge amount of volunteers who put themselves forward. That’s why my fellow MPs and I want to recognise our Suffolk’s heroes. I would like to congratulate all nominees for their extraordinary efforts during the pandemic.”

James Cartlidge MP said

“I have received brilliant nominations for these awards, and it is clear that people across Suffolk have been so impressed by, and truly grateful for, the actions of these individuals. I hope that the winners are proud to have been nominated and recognised for their efforts in this extraordinarily difficult period. It makes me incredibly proud to represent a constituency in this outstanding and community-minded county!”

Peter Aldous MP said

“These awards pay tribute to just a few examples of the many instances of generosity and service shown in Suffolk's communities during the pandemic, when it has been necessary to pull together at a tremendously challenging time. They should make us all very proud to come from a place with such a spirt running through it, which bodes very well for Suffolk's future.”

Tom Hunt MP said

“It has been incredibly inspiring reading all the stories coming from my constituents. It’s clear that during this immensely difficult time our community has pulled together to overcome the difficulties of the pandemic. It is through some incredible work by individuals and groups that many other people were supported in this crisis. It’s so important that these individuals get some recognition, however small, to thank them for their continued efforts and hard work. It is through the stories highlighted here that the strong and supportive community of Ipswich is really shown. I'm very proud to represent the best county town, in the best county in the country”

Dr Dan Poulter MP said

“It’s been so heart-warming to read through the many nominations I have received and it’s certainly been a difficult task to choose the winners. Our strong sense of community and looking out for one another is what makes Suffolk such a special place to live and these “Suffolk’s Heroes Awards” are just a small way in which we can recognise and celebrate the fantastic and selfless efforts shown by so many throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. I’d like to offer my warmest congratulations to all of our very worthy winners.”

Information of individual winners can be obtained through the individual MPs offices later this week, once they have been able to contact the winners and notify them of their nomination.