THE nominations have flooded in and now the shortlist for the unsung hero accolade in the Reading’s Local Champions awards can be revealed.

The Chronicle teamed up with BP to launch the awards, which aim to recognise and reward those who go above and beyond the call of duty.

Vote for your winner before the deadline on August 18.

Aftab Malik, Anstey Road, Reading

Mr Malik organised the first ever bike ride for a mosque in Reading. The Central Jamme Masjid in Waylen Street was overhauled with a two-storey extension in May last year and Mr Malik opted to raise funds with a charity cycle.

Muhammad Kashif, who nominated him, said: “We cycled from the mosque to Thatcham high street, before pedalling back – a total of 34 miles.”

The event raised £1,400, and a second bike ride was organised last month for the Abu Bakr mosque in west Reading. Competitors rode from the mosque to Maidenhead and back, raising around £600.

Mr Kashif added: “A total sum of more than £2,000 was raised within 12 months. Aftab is definitely an unsung champion for our community.”

Michael Jones, Watlington Street, Reading

Mr Jones volunteered to bring one of Reading’s most important buildings back to life. The Grade II-listed Watlington House was acquired for public use in 1931 and is home to local charities, but the building was rundown seven years ago due to a lack of income.

Mr Jones was working for one of the remaining tenants when he approached the Trust to transform the building, which is now full of tenants. The Trust also generates an income of £80,000 a year after Mr Jones secured funding from Reading Borough Council and the Lottery Fund.

Eve Poole, who nominated him, said: “He is full of enthusiasm, energy and ideas and is very practical, so carries out much of the maintenance. With the improvement in the Trust’s finances and in recognition of the enormous amount of time Michael puts in it now pays him a monthly management fee, but this is only partial recompense for his efforts.”

Sylvia Daniels, Linden Road, Woodley

Mrs Daniels has suffered from myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) for more than 15 years and helps provide support to the Reading ME Support Group, which serves the whole county. Mrs Daniels uses a wheelchair and suffers from depression, but holds regular meetings at her house to help fellow members.

Sarah Morgan, who nominated her, said: “She organises raffles and drinks and she does an amazing job when organising the Christmas raffle. Sylvia has also inspired many to try to keep our weight under control. She is a true unsung hero.”

Matthew William Shelley, Wilton Road, Reading

Matthew goes to Brookfields School in Tilehurst and has helped his mother Charlotte around the house ever since she had an accident a few years ago which affected her balance. She now walks with an aid and needs support when travelling on buses and shopping.

Nominating the 12-year-old, his grandmother Monika said: “He always reacts quickly with much care and maturity, especially when carrying drinks and plates with food. Coping with the steep flight of stairs can also cause problems which Matthew usually solves with a happy smile.

“I am especially moved and impressed by the constant and affectionate support Matthew gives his mother.”

TO VOTE: Return the form in the paper or text BERKS BP followed by the code for your chosen winner along with your name and postcote to 65400. Quote '8001’ for Aftab Malik, '8002’ for Michael Jones, '8003’ for Slyvia Daniels and '8004’ for Matthew William Shelley. (E.g. BERKS BP 8001 John Smith RG301BA.) Texts cost 50p plus your standard network charge. Closing date is August 18, 2014.

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