Committed Christians are again put forward for Citizen of Year Award

Margaret Moore, of Lillington, and Southam resident Chris Johnson have run the Night Shelter in Leamington since 2009.

The shelter, which is open at Radford Road church on Sunday and Wednesday nights, provides a warm and safe environment with hot food and a place to sleep.

Marjorie Carrier, who nominated Mrs Moore and Mr Johnson, said: “These unassuming, gentle, people welcome unreservedly the vulnerable and homeless and show Christian love, understanding and total commitment to those who have nothing and have nowhere to turn.

“They give their time and energy to provide material comforts, sleeping and washing facilities, companionship and friendly advice to homeless men and women who, otherwise, would spend the nights sleeping rough.”

“Margaret and Chris do not seek recognition for the work they do but no one deserves it more.”

Mr Johnson explained that the shelter also provides assistance with filling out forms, doctors’ appointments, benefit claims and a range of other difficulties.

He said the shelter has 30 volunteers and that their efforts should also be recognised.

Mr Johnson said: “The nomination is for everybody involved The church’s minister James Church has been very supportive and the volunteers are amazing.

“A lot of it is about us being practising Christians and fulfilling what Jesus said we should do. We just react to the need.”

The deadline to nominate your Citizen of the Year or Young Citizen of the Year is Sunday.

Last year’s Young Citizen winner was Leah Brassington, who helps her single mother look after her severely autistic brother, while in between times helping young carers in similar circumstances and attending school.

Nominations of no more than 150 words listing the outstanding qualities of the individual must be marked “Coty” including the name, address and phone number of the sponsor and sent to the [email protected] email address.

The Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance has been chosen as this year’s charity.

The awards ceremony will be held at the Guy Nelson Hall, Warwick School, Warwick, on Sunday September 29.