Cookstown woman Carol Doey in Spirit of NI awards shortlist

Carol has used her own time and initiative to create a shared space for all at the heart of the community in Cookstown. The Hub BT80, whose motto is ‘Our place, your space’ provides drama, dance, music and arts and crafts workshops for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Volunteer Carol even opens the The Hub on Christmas Day to give the elderly, lonely and homeless people a Christmas dinner.

Carol received many nominations for this award praising her tireless commitment and ability to go about everything with a warm heart, sense of fun and generosity of spirit. She has played a major role in changing lives for the better. We’re told the community is richer and more united because of her great work.

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 30th May.”

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. Entertainment will be provided by 2013 The Voice winner Andrea Begley and comic John Linehan aka May McFettridge.

Winners in the three categories, as chosen by a judging panel headed by TV star Gloria Hunniford, 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 Peninsula Care Services.