NOMINATIONS have flooded in for Cumbrian mental health heroes who spend their time – whether it be paid or voluntary – helping others get through personal crises.

As part of an ongoing series to platform mental health issues and organisations alongside Kimberly-Clark, we asked the public to submit their choice for those who work for the betterment of mental health in our communities – with the winner announced later this week.

Here are some of our favourite nominations.

Debbie Wood, chair of Outreach Cumbria, an LGBT+ organisation, was nominated for her work championing LGBT causes – including transgender wellbeing, all while working full-time.

While others looked further afield – nominating figures like Jaylo Miles, a Welshman who walks through Cardiff and the Brecon Beacons with his support owls, reaching out through social media and in-person events alike.

And of course, there is our own local hiker turned mental health guru in Kerry Irving and his late dog Max, as well as Paddy and Harry.

Max, from Keswick, was a lifeline to Mr Irving, who adopted the canine after a car accident in 2006 left him in excruciating pain, both physically and mentally.

His fundraising work and adventures captured the hearts of people worldwide and he raised more than £450,000 for charities, alongside fellow pooches Paddy and Harry.

Sadly, Max died in April.

Other nominations are too many to write into one piece but include people like Janine Ward, managing director of Together WE CIC Cumbria.

Together We is a mental health, non-for-profit organisation which helps/ empowers individuals to take control over their mental health and wellbeing.

Janine always puts her best foot forward to support all staff/volunteers/clients involved within the service, said someone who nominated her.

We would like to thank everyone who submitted a nomination and the winner will be announced later this week.