Nomination for ‘unsung hero’

Kate Ferguson, who received an MBE in the New Year Honours list for services to people with brain tumours and their families, was one of five people shortlisted in the category for this year’s awards, which are sponsored by Specsavers.

When Kate’s husband was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 1992, they found there was no one in Northern Ireland they could turn to for support or advice.

With the help of another patient they set up Brainwaves NI, a charity to help people who have been affected by a brain tumour.

Kate, who lives in Whitehead, has been honorary secretary for over 20 years but sadly her husband lost his fight with his tumour in 2006.

Despite her own ill health, she still works tirelessly raising awareness, research funding, running the charity’s helpline as well as organising events for patients and their families.

Tony McGinn, Specsavers Northern Ireland chairman said: “This is the fourth year we have sponsored the Sunday Life Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards and once again were completely overwhelmed with all the finalists. We received hundreds of nominations and it was particularly hard this year to shortlist just 15. Year on year we are humbled and inspired by all of their stories and look forward to meeting them all at the gala final on May 30.”

All 15 nominees along with their friends and families will be treated to a top class night of great food and entertainment at the gala final in the five star Culloden Hotel on May 30. UTV will again be recording this year’s awards for a special TV programme presented by Pamela Ballantine and Frank Mitchell who will also be the hosts on the night.

Winners in the three categories will be announced on the night, as will the overall Spirit of Northern Ireland Award winner, who will receive a £1,000 cash prize from Northern Ireland’s fastest growing care recruitment and domiciliary agency, Peninsula Care Services.