A HERO eye surgeon from Kilmacolm who saved the sight of thousands of people living in the poorest parts of the world is looking to honour young people in Inverclyde.
Dr Sadhu Gupta and his family have teamed up with Gourock Rotary Club to run a Young Citizen of the Year Award for the second year in a row.
The first ever winner was charity fundraiser Molly Cuddihy, who was diagnosed with metastatic Ewing Sarcoma when she was only 15 and went on to raise £300,000 for the a hospital ward to build a special room for young patients aged eight to 12.
Now he is looking for nominations for more young people like the Gourock campaigner who have made a difference in their local community and beyond.
Dr Gupta MBE, a former Inverclyde Royal surgeon, said: "I am honoured to see this award in my name return for its second year.
"There is so much young talent in Inverclyde, and this award helps recognise the inspiring work many young people do to help have a positive impact on the local community and beyond."
Dr Gupta was driven by a lifelong commitment to giving back to those in the greatest need.
His contributions ranged from improving local ophthalmic services to volunteering at eye camps in some of the most deprived countries in the world.
In 2018, Dr Gupta’s remarkable work was recognised with an MBE.
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In recognition of his charitable efforts and in conjunction with the Gupta family, the Rotary Club of Gourock is proudly supporting the Young Citizen of the Year award.
The first year of the scheme also recognised young environmentalist Nina Kirk and campaigner Ben Kane, who launched a school counselling service.
Both of them went onto win the Rotary UK's Young Citizen of the Year awards.
Other young people who were finalists included Grace Lynch, who worked with youngsters in Ghana, and Skye McCabe, who runs her own Christmas toy appeal.
A Gourock Rotary spokesman said: "We hope this award will inspire the next generation of young people to give back to their communities and become the future philanthropists of Inverclyde."
If you know a young person or group deserving of a Young Citizen Award and wish to submit a nomination contact Norman Pettigrew of the Gourock Rotary Club by emailing normanpettigrew@gmail.com.
The deadline for nominations is October 25 and the awards ceremony will place at the Young Musicians Competition which will be held in Inverclyde on Thursday November 9.
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