Awards honour everyday heroes

Top Gong winners (from left) Alison Mellor, Tania Hayes, Renae Chapman, Jasmin Cosmos, Jayne Wilson, Keith Caldwell and Peter Copeland. Picture: KIRK GILMOUR

Aged just 22, Gwynneville's Tania Hayes had her world turned upside down when her future husband Warren was diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumour.The tumour and a series of operations to save Mr Hayes' life left him in need of a full-time carer, a role Mrs Hayes has filled for several years.She is also an ambassador for four national charities and travels the country advocating the rights of carers and people with disabilities.

Top Gong awards: the winners Mrs Hayes said yesterday she hoped her story would inspire others who found themselves in similar situations. The achievements of Mrs Hayes and six other everyday heroes were recognised yesterday at the inaugural Top Gong awards, sponsored by Wollongong Central owners the GPT Group. Each of the winners received $5000 to further their dreams in areas including arts and culture, sport, community, young people and environmental sustainability. Now it's over to you to decide who will win the Illawarra Mercury People's Choice award and receive an extra $2000 to help drive their passion for their chosen field. One randomly selected voter will win a $2000 shopping spree at Wollongong Central. Entry forms will appear daily in the Mercury and can be left in the box at the Wollongong Central service desk until November 22. The winner will be announced on November 25.

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Awards honour everyday heroes

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