At the Tamworth Herald’s awards to honour the town’s unsung heroes, one winner was totally surprised when his name was called out.

Deputy Herald editor Phil Shanahan was given a special recognition for his work on the Colin Grazier campaign.

For two years Phil has been the man behind moves to gain recognition for the unsung war hero. He has raised thousands of pounds and received support from around the world.

During the campaign, Phil was invited to collect a posthumous George Cross on behalf of Grazier and two other sailors whose bravery helped to shorten the war.

Editor Sam Holliday said: “This is a man who took on this role initially as a journalist, but has become passionate about it.

“The Colin Grazier campaign has had an incredible response. Every week letters come in from all over the world. This is all due to the professionalism of a brilliant man and a brilliant journalist.”

The Herald award was presented at a ceremony held at Tamworth Town Hall where 21 other heroes of the town were also honoured by the newspaper.

Phil said: “Colin Grazier is very much the unsung hero – and I have probably had more recognition than he did, and he helped win the war. If this helps to promote him it’s wonderful.”

Back to the awards index

Have you won an award? We’d love to hear from you.
E-mail us now for more details.