- and that's official!

Rooting for paramedic Sean McBriarty (36) from Mayfield, have been his biggest fans - wife Fiona, and children Ethan (8), Conor (5) and Josh (1).

Fiona was inspired to nominate Sean for the ‘Extra Mile’ award after witnessing at first hand not only the the dedication with which he approaches his day-to-day work as a paramedic, but the effort he makes over and above the call of duty in helping others in his limited spare time.

“Sean has been a paramedic for seven years and during this time he has received numerous cards and praise and thanks from the families of patients that he has assisted or saved,” wrote Fiona in her nomination citation about Sean.

“He is dedicated to his work and strives to further his skills by volunteering for other projects.

“He is always the first to help out a colleague, a neighbour knocking on our door after an accident, or a family member who needs assistance.

“He has trained local teachers, parents and sports coaches in children’s first aid.

“In our eyes he is our local super hero. And it would be great if he could have a break and we could look after him instead, for a change.”

Fiona said the competition’s top prize of a 2,000 holiday would be a wonderful treat for the entire family if Sean was indeed lucky enough to win it.

“I have been off on unpaid leave from work while looking after our youngest child and that has meant Sean’s been working every hour he can to try and keep us all. He has been really busy and a wee break would be lovely for him, and us as well, as we haven’t had a proper holiday away as a family this year,” said Fiona.

“If we are fortunate enough to win, then the kids have already picked Euro-Disney as the place they would like to go!

“Sean is always there to help others. He has given his time to train teachers and parents in paediatric first aid at the Gaelscoil Eanna in Glengormley, done defibrillator training at St. Enda’s GAA Club and also delivered First Person on Scene training for the Fire Service.

“Sean’s job as a paramedic at Ardoyne Ambulance Station can be a stressful job. He has been at the scene of blast bombs, he was at the Masserene Barracks where the soldiers were shot, and it can be quite difficult for him to switch off from what he has witnessed at work, when he comes home. He sees another side of society, and I think it would be nice for him to to get away for a bit and clear his head.”

Sean meanwhile, said he was delighted to have won the area award and was thrilled with his Good Spud trophy and 100 meal voucher.

“To tell you the truth I was a bit surprised when I was told I was going to receive an award, because I had no idea I’d been entered for one,” he said.

“I’m delighted to accept it and it’s nice to have got it for the work that I do as a paramedic, which can sometimes not be as well publicised as say the work of the PSNI or the Fire and Rescue Service, but which is just as important at the scene of a crisis.”

In what is the inaugural year of the Good Spud Awards, Angus Wilson of sponsors, Wilson’s Potatoes said: “We all know someone who regularly goes beyond the call of duty, an inspirational teacher, an enthusiastic coach or someone who is simply a good neighbour.

“We have asked Northern Ireland residents to nominate these unsung heros and give them the chance to walk away with a 2,000 holiday.”

To help Sean win the overall Good Spud title, turn overleaf to Pg 14 of your Newtownabbey Times, and vote for him!