CHIEFS at Southampton General Hospital are urging patients and families to champion unsung heroes who go the extra mile to make visitors’ stay more bearable.

Senior manager Dr Caroline Marshall knows how her army of staff and volunteers dedicate their time to sick and injured patients around the clock.

Now she is calling for Daily Echo readers to prove how grateful they are by praising their efforts and nominating them for the trust’s flagship Hospital Heroes Awards.

Dr Marshall is urging people to put forward names for the coveted title of the Daily Echo’s Readers’ Choice Award.

We have teamed up with Southampton University Hospital NHS Trust to launch this year’s search individuals who our readers feel have provide outstanding support.

Whether it is a shoulder to lean on at one of the most frightening and painful times of your life, support through a terrible illness, or skills to successfully perform life changing surgery, we want to hear who your heroes are.

Dr Marshall, the trust’s chief operating officer, said: “This award is a great opportunity for patients to highlight staff who have made a significant contribution to their hospital experience.

“Every year we get to hear so many positive stories about staff throughout the organisation. It does mean a great deal to us all.”

Your nominated heroes will be invited to a glitzy awards ceremony at the city’s Novotel Hotel on March 14.

Submit entries by February 29 at maxwell.kusi-obodum@dailyecho.co.uk or newsdesk@dailyecho.co.uk or by contacting 023 8042 4498 or 023 8042 4522.