The Edinburgh Local Hero Awards were back with a bang this year following a restricted version last year due to Covid. These awards celebrate the fantastic people of Edinburgh who have shown care and commitment to others over the past year. For the second year, our Personal Law team sponsored the Carer of the Year award. Some of the team had the privilege of attending the awards ceremony on Wednesday 7th December 2022 at the Sheraton Grand Hotel.
An evening to remember
The event’s dress code was black tie, so members of the Personal Law Team dusted off their party clothes. Arriving at the drinks reception, hosted by Cold Town House, there was already a buzz in the atmosphere. As more guests started to arrive, you could tell the excitement was growing. The Team scouted out the photobooth, although not sure we mastered it, with just one of our seven tries where we all managed to look at the camera at the same time.
It was then time to go through to our table for the main part of the evening. Arlene Stuart from Forth 1 welcomed us in and gave us the rundown of proceedings for the night. Before dinner started, we were treated to some entertainment by singer songwriter Carrie MacDonald from Edinburgh. Carrie got the night going and might have a few new Spotify listeners! A three course meal ensued provided by the Sheraton and then came a few numbers from the Phoenix Choir. The Phoenix Choir believe music should be made with passion and that definitely shone through throughout their performance.
Carer of the Year
Time for the main event, the awards! Arlene guided us through each category and gave insights into each nominee. It was truly inspiring hearing all their stories and there were a few watery eyes in the room. Finally, our time came to present the award and Stuart Millar took to the stage on behalf of Gibson Kerr to present Carer of the Year. The two nominees were both very deserving of this award but our tablemate Helen Ross was the winner.
After chatting with Helen and her family throughout the evening, we were delighted for her. Helen gave up her work to care for her husband and daughter when they were both registered blind. Whilst caring for them, she also supported her ill father in-law, her aunt who was diagnosed with terminal throat cancer, as well as her mother who had terminal lung cancer. Both her aunt and mother passed away just a few weeks apart. Helen’s selflessness and generosity was very apparent. Accepting the award, she said she just likes to help anyone she can, that is just her nature.
Edinburgh’s Local Hero 2022
There was just one thing left for the evening and that was the Edinburgh Local Hero Award. This award took into consideration all of the nominees from each category and the winner was Street Assist! Street Assist operate every Friday and Saturday night across Edinburgh’s City Centre offering first aid and welfare services. They work between the hours of 10.00 pm and 4.00 am. Judging by their Facebook posts, the team can go above and beyond, choosing to work longer if they think it’s required. Since 2017, the project has assisted 5,300 people, saving the NHS an estimated £4.5 million in A&E visits. This proves to be a vital service to Edinburgh and they were a very worthy winner.
It was a fantastic evening celebrating all the nominees and congratulations again to everyone, you were all winners in our eyes.