Vlad Leca

Maintenance technician, NHS Property Services

Vlad Leca

Vlad Leca

He said: “I would like to thank everyone that made this possible and I am most grateful for the appreciation. I hope the right person wins.”

He was nominated by his life manager Zafar Iqbal, who said: “He should win the award for Unsung Hero as he quietly goes about his work unnoticed, but always provides an excellent and efficient service. He is always willing to look into jobs even when they don’t fall into his technical area, getting support and guidance from other contractors to swiftly resolve issues and keep Oxford’s health facilities safe and open. The work that he does is essential and he deserves to be celebrated. Vlad doesn’t really see how he has helped with the Covid effort and he thinks keeping the NHS running and open was all down to the clinical frontline teams; but if buildings are unsafe to use, then patients can’t receive care. He has been a real unsung hero in the pandemic fight. He has a very positive frame of mind and no ask is too big. He is always happy to go the extra mile and he is not satisfied until the customer is. He is always willing to look into jobs even when they don't fall into his technical area, getting support and guidance from other contractors to swiftly resolve issues and keep Oxford's health facilities safe and open.

"One such example would be when Vlad needed to test the Electrical Distribution Board at a clinic that was administering the Covid-19 vaccine, and to complete this maintenance involved the clinic having to turn their electricity off for three hours. Furthermore, he only had one day to do this as the clinic were expecting a vaccine delivery, so the fridges within the clinic needed to remain on. Vlad said the easiest way to get around the issue was to start work at the clinic before anyone arrived, so he started work at 5am that day to ensure the services could be completed without disrupting the vaccination rollout to people in Oxford. No one knew about the work he had done early that morning at the clinic when they arrived, as health services were unaffected thanks to Vlad going above and beyond for his community.

Courtney Hughes

Trainee nursing associate at Oxford University Hospitals and founder of Secret Santa 365

Courtney Hughes

Courtney Hughes

She said: "I feel really humbled to have been nominated and shortlisted for these awards. I am lucky to have worked in the NHS since I was 17, across many different areas. In addition to my previous role of a senior nursing assistant, I am now studying at Oxford Brookes University for my nursing associate degree while working full time at the John Radcliffe Hospital.”

She was nominated by Secret Santa 365 secretary, Claire Hughes, who said: “Courtney founded her charity, Secret Santa 365, in 2012 when she was 13 years old, to support vulnerable and sick members of the Oxfordshire community during various struggles and crises. Over 80,000 gifts and essential items have been provided by Courtney across the county to those in need. During the pandemic she supported fellow colleagues and key workers each week across the Trust with care packages, food, toiletries and bedding and furniture for temporary accommodation.”

Paula Cross

Owner of Kriss Kross Hair & Beauty in Carterton

Paula Cross

Paula Cross

She said: “I’m really honoured and shocked to receive this nomination. I’m so glad I could help the local community for this past year.”

She was nominated by Carla Timms, who said: “Paula has had to deal emotionally and financially with her business being closed during lockdown but has done absolutely everything to support everyone else around her. She has given up her time, raised money for charity and organised a food bank all whilst trying to keep a business afloat. She has organised and prepared Christmas meals for those who were on their own on Christmas Day and has this month walked 100 miles for a local mental health charity to raise vital funds. I don't think she realises what an inspiration she is to everyone around her. She has brought love, joy and, most importantly, friendship to so many people. There is nothing she doesn't do. I have recently been very unwell and she took me aside to speak to me privately at the pharmacy when she could see I wasn't feeling great. She has such compassion and enthusiasm in everything she does, she's totally selfless."