Do you know someone that deserves the Suzy Ferguson Spirit Award?

The Spirit of Suzy award is looking for someone who displays exceptional character, integrity and determination.

Here's a job for over the Christmas break.

Think about the people that have inspired you during your career. The unsung heroes that quietly go about their daily jobs nurturing and encouraging talent.

People who make a positive difference because of who they are, and not necessarily because of their qualifications or business performance.

People who are not only good at their job, but who show passion and kindness for the people around them, both in and out of work.

Spirit of Suzy

Suzy Ferguson had all these characteristics, and more. She died from bowel cancer in July 2012, aged just 31.

The Suzy Ferguson Spirit Award is an annual award in her memory.

Suzy’s employer, Lewis PR, teamed up with Gorkana and Bowel Cancer UK in 2013 to launch the award. Nominations are free, and open until 8 January via this short online form.

Unlike other awards that acknowledge professional achievements, the Suzy Ferguson Spirit Award aims to recognise individuals of exceptional character, integrity and determination.

Suzy was an inspirational person, whose work impacted clients and fellow professionals. She worked tirelessly in the community outside her work, even after she was diagnosed with cancer. Her spirit and talent positively influenced every organisation with whom she worked.

Previous winners

Nicola Green, Director of Communications & Reputation at O2, won the Suzy Spirit Award in 2015. Rosie Warin, now CEO, Global Tolerance was the 2014 winner.

Nicola and Rosie demonstrated the mentoring and nurturing values that are so often overlooked in a competitive workplace; the ability to make everyone feel valued no matter what their role, and getting the best out of people.

I was pleased to be invited last year to join Suzy’s family, Gorkana, and Lewis, to support the award as a judge, and help celebrate our unsung heroes and hidden talent.

Follow @suzyspiritaward on Twitter for the latest news and check out the website for further information.

Bowel Cancer UK is the official charity for the award. The charity aims to save lives and improve the quality of life for all those affected by bowel cancer focusing particularly on early diagnosis.