The complete list of nominees for the 2022 Pride in Medway Awards has been revealed.

The annual celebration of unsung heroes from across the Towns is returning after a two-year break in time for its 20th anniversary.

A record number of people have nominated for this year’s awards. Their names have been published on the Pride in Medway website.

With judging now complete, finalists will shortly be invited shortly to a gala dinner evening on Friday, April 22.

This will be the first event in two years because of the pandemic.

The certificate presentation evening for all nominees, which usually takes place much earlier in the year, was unable to go ahead but it is hoped this will return in future years.

Miranda Chapman, managing director of Pillory Barn, the creative and marketing agency that stages the event, said “We are absolutely delighted to be staging Pride in Medway for another year, and what a way to return to an in-person event by celebrating 20 years.

“We know first-hand just how important it is for the Medway community to celebrate their local heroes, and as ever we are truly amazed at the sheer amount of kindness, generosity and strength that has been shown by some truly remarkable individuals this year.”

After a record breaking 194 unique nominations this year, the Pride in Medway Awards 2022 sponsors had the difficult task of agreeing the 48 finalists from which the overall Pride in Medway Winner will be chosen.

The Pride in Medway Awards are supported by several sponsors, including Dockside Property Services, mhs homes, Medway Council, Medway Messenger, Bridgewood Manor Hotel & Spa, Uniper, MidKent College and AC Goatham & Son.

Spencer Fortag, managing director at Dockside Property Services, said “A town is defined by the people who work there or call it home.

"In that case, Medway is kind, caring, generous and selfless. Dockside Property Services are proud to sponsor the Pride in Medway Awards to celebrate ordinary people doing the extra-ordinary.”

Cllr Alan Jarrett, leader of Medway Council, said “Medway Council is absolutely delighted to be sponsoring these important awards again that highlight and celebrate the outstanding acts of so many in our community.

"It makes me so proud to see the community spirit and in particularly the courage of so many of our local people and it particularly shone through during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was so difficult to shortlist from the very many entries we received, and everyone deserves our congratulations and thanks.”

Matt Ramsden, editor of the Medway Messenger, said "As ever the Medway Messenger is truly delighted to be part of the awards, helping shine a light on those unsung heroes who do so much for our community."

Bruce Shelmerdine, group finance director at mhs homes, said “There are some truly inspirational people living and working across Medway.

"We’re honoured to be able to help showcase their outstanding efforts through these awards.”

Wendy Hannam, director of sales at Bridgewood Manor Hotel, said “We love to hear about all the amazing people that live in our local area and the Pride in Medway awards are the best way to celebrate them.”

Helen Turner, business support team leader at Uniper, said “Uniper is proud to be sponsoring Pride in Medway again this year, an event that truly must be celebrated.

"We never cease to be amazed and inspired by the lengths, effort, and energy some people are willing to go to support their local community."

Steve Hyland, director of marketing and communications at MidKent College, said: “Our hope is that the truly inspirational finalists we commend this evening will encourage others to take action and get involved in community life to make Medway a better place for everyone.”

Gayle Goatham, a director at AC Goatham & Son, said: “There are many local heroes here in Medway and we are so very proud to continue our sponsorship of the Pride in Medway Awards.

“We support our local inspiring heroes who take the time to help others, the respect and passion people have for their local community is truly inspiring.

To find out if you have been nominated this year for a Pride in Medway award, click here.