Prabhu Natarajan

Carer at Glebefields Care Home in Banbury

He said: “Thank you God for considering me in this award. My sincere thanks to the people of Banbury, my wife and my son. This would have never happened without their immense motivation and unbelievable support.”

He was nominated by Georgina Button, who said: “Throughout the pandemic he has collected and delivered food parcels to people who have struggled, raised money for families in need, set up his own food bank. He dressed as Santa and the Easter bunny giving gifts and eggs. He even gave away his own belongings to those who needed them. He selflessly helps feed families and spreads joy wherever he can.”

Andrew Baker

Founder and CEO of Play2Give

He said: “To be nominated was a lovely feeling and showed that all the hard work of Play2Give over so many years has been appreciated. There are so many out there in the health and care sector who are the real everyday heroes so to even be considered is really humbling and a huge privilege. I would like to dedicate this to my wonderful team of volunteers, who are a valued part of Play2Give, the wonderful community and our incredible supporters – this nomination is for them all. Thank you to Matthew for putting me forward.

He was nominated by Matthew Norris, who said: “Andy, as the head of Play2Give, has been a tireless fundraiser for a range of medical organisations over the years, including Oxford Children's Hospital, Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, Headway Oxfordshire, and many more. The fundraising that he has done has funded many important projects, such as hospital rooms, and made a real positive difference to people's lives. He's run countless events, including: charity balls, town fayres, stalls at a Christmas fair, cake sales, gift collections for the children's hospital, corporate sponsorships and much more. According to the P2G website, he's raised nearly £300,000 in cash and gifts."

Nick Leverton

Owner a small company that retails wheelchair accessible vehicles to the public and the NHS

 

He said: “I was unusually speechless when I found out. I was thrilled to bits and flabbergasted in equal measure. My sincere thanks to [the Oxford Mail] team for making this wonderful surprise happen.”

He was nominated by Jill Bull, who said: “Nick has recruited and coordinated a band of volunteers (up to 70) to assist with the rollout of the Covid vaccination programme at Carterton Surgery. He has attended every shift, ensured that everyone is tested themselves first and then shows everyone what is needed to help the public as they arrive for their vaccination. He is cheerful and welcomes everyone even if they are nervous about vaccination. After every shift he takes home the high-vis jackets to be washed (we need to give credit to his wife Sue for this) and he sanitises all equipment. Shifts can last from 9am to 8pm and he ensures that all volunteers are supported with cups of tea and coffee and is cheerful, whatever the weather or length of the shift. He is a credit to our town and deserves all our thanks."