HOW do you choose which person or organisation is most deserving of recognition when you read story after story of devoted care and dedication?

That was the unenviable task facing the judges of the Hereford Times Health and Social Care Awards 2018.

But it was the challenge we had accepted, and so we read and re-read the nominations that had flooded in.

There were humbling accounts of determination in the face of obstacles, tales of sacrifice and devotion that brought a tear to the eye, and reports of professionalism and expertise of the highest standard.

The call for award nominations was launched in May, reaching the huge audience of Hereford Times readers through our platforms in print, online and social media.

Nominations began pouring in, with people and organisations seizing the opportunity to shine a light on the unsung heroes of the county’s health and social care sector.

We had asked for nominations in 13 categories, and I read each one carefully, placing potential winners in a pile.

By the time I had finished reading, the pile was much too big.

I read them again, but the possibles remained stubbornly too numerous for some time.

It was an extremely difficult job to whittle them down to the final shortlist.

The judges were asked to rate their first, second and third choice of winner in each category. The scores were then totted up, and the highest-scoring candidates identified. They are the one who will receive the plaudits at our presentation ceremony at Lyde Arundel on Tuesday, September 18.

But all those who were nominated deserve the applause they will surely receive next month.

They are all truly exceptional.

The judging panel John Wilson, Editor, Newsquest Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Sue Griffiths, Event Director, Newsquest Hannah Blower, Herefordshire Council, Project Lead on the Care Heroes Project Kerry Thomson, Senior Communication and Engagement Manager, Herefordshire Clincial Commissioning Group Stephen Weller, Head of Kemble Training Robert Dudley, Interim Head of Institute, Health and Society and Head of Department, Nursing and Midwifery, University of Worcester Richard Claridge, Chairman, Rotherwood Group Alice Deacon, Hoople Ltd Hattie Hayes, Director, Katherine Harriett Bespoke Home Care Chantal Ferguson-Giles, Branch Manager, Safehands Recruitment