Pandemic's 'Pompey Heroes' to be celebrated at new Portsmouth Cathedral Christmas carol service

Remarkable residents have gone above and beyond for others – navigating loss, disappointment and disruption to keep our way of life ticking.

Now The News is uniting with Portsmouth Cathedral to recognise those Good Samaritans with a special Christmas carol service celebrating the very best of Portsmouth.

Residents across the area are being encouraged to vote for their Pompey Hero, who could then be randomly chosen to attend the unique service, in Old Portsmouth, on Monday, December 21.

Anyone can be nominated – from front-line NHS staff to helpful next-door neighbours – so long as their acts of kindness have brought positivity and hope to someone in our community.

Dean of Portsmouth, The Very Reverend Dr Anthony Cane, said: ‘It is an honour to be celebrating the many acts of kindness from members of the Portsmouth community, especially over the past year.

‘Pompey Heroes will be a welcome opportunity to highlight stories of hope and positivity, in the context of joyous Christmas music from the Portsmouth Cathedral Choir.

‘We understand that for many the impacts of lockdown and shielding have not yet come to an end and look forward to giving thanks for those in our community who have given and continue to give so much.’

Pompey Heroes votes can also be cast to recognise someone’s ongoing commitment to a local good cause or charity, or someone who frequently makes sacrifices of their own for the benefit of others.

Sophie Henstridge-Brown, Portsmouth Cathedral’s head of fundraising and events, said: ‘Since the first lockdown, we’ve seen and heard so many wonderful stories of hope and kindness.

‘We want to celebrate these inspiring people for their commitment to their community and continued hard work.’

MORE HERE: These trusted Portsmouth, Havant, Fareham and Gosport businesses are offering online shopping during lockdown

Nominations for the Pompey Heroes service are live online now and nominees invited to attend the event will be randomly selected in early December.

Mark Waldron, editor of The News, said: ‘The community spirit our proud city has shown throughout this difficult year has been second to none.

‘Remarkable individuals and groups have risen to the challenges posed by the pandemic to make others in need feel valued, safe and connected.

‘The News is proud to be a part of Pompey Heroes and I would encourage everyone to vote for someone special.’

The event, which is being organised in association with Blake Morgan LLP and live-streamed, follows previous campaigns in The News to recognise Portsmouth’s health heroes and volunteers amid the pandemic.

Nominations are open until Monday, November 30 and you can click here to vote for your Pompey Hero.

Portsmouth Cathedral’s full schedule of Advent and Christmas services can be found here.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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