HEARTWARMING stories of sacrifice and support have been flooding into The Basingstoke Gazette following the launch of the Hampshire Hero Awards.

A headteacher who has worked hard to ensure her pupils have not missed out, a woman who set up a Facebook group to help those with mental health issues and a Romsey woman who has set up an emergency baby supply service are among a host of nominations that have been made.

The Awards, with its principal sponsor Utilita, are aimed at those people and organisations in the county who deserve our thanks and recognition for all that they have done during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Anyone can make a nomination and they stand a chance of winning a £100 Shopping Voucher prize. Click here for details.

They are run in conjunction with our sister Newsquest titles in the region and are divided into three categories: Medical Heroes, Emergency Heroes and Everyday Heroes.

Bill Browne, on behalf of the organisers, said: “We are delighted with the variety of nominations we have been receiving.

“Just as we hoped, there have been some really great stories about those who have gone the extra mile; people who have worked selflessly for the benefit of others.”

Among those nominated is Sarah Mathlin, from the Winklebury Federation of Schools, who has been nominated because of the work she has done in looking after her pupils and staff. Michelle Solley-Andrews, who nominated Sarah, said: “She even went to the address of all 300+ children personally to deliver a little treat and to make sure they were all doing ok.”

Then there is Danielle Louise Watt, from Andover, who set up a Facebook group to help people suffering anxiety and depression. She was nominated by Mark Dargan, who said: “she really has got a heart of gold and does it for absolutely no adulation, she so deserves this.”

Mother of two Hayleigh Jarvis (pictured) has come to the rescue of families in need of baby necessity's during the pandemic outbreak.

Hayleigh, from North Baddesley, has a full-time job working in Covid clinical trials but she has found the time to set up emergency deliveries for mums and dads who just do not have the funds to look after their young children because of the impact of lockdown.

Hayleigh has been nominated as an “Unsung Hero” in the Hampshire Hero Awards 2021 by her friend and project partner Lauren Denham.

Lauren said: “I have helped Hayleigh set this up, but it was her idea in the first place.”

The two ladies have launched a website called babynecessities.co.uk where they explain they are a non-profit organisation aimed at helping alleviate child poverty “after watching a documentary on the growing need for baby banks in the UK.

“Our vision was to support families during hardship, as well as see baby items our children no longer needed, re-used to protect the environment and reduce unnecessary waste.”

The pair collect quality, pre-loved items such as clothes, toys and equipment, and distribute them to families in need across Southampton and the surrounding areas.

Lauren said: “A lot of the time it is not the people on benefits who have the greatest need, it is those who have suddenly found themselves without an income.”

They are grateful for the help from both individuals and local businesses. Lauren said there are certain things like nappies and formula that they need brand new.

She said Hayleigh also has a job working with the Covid clinical trials. “She’s a real hero in my eyes and deserves the recognition.”