THE deadline for the Pride of Gwent Awards is today but this inspirational individual from the region has received their nomination just in time.
Lowri Hawkins, 19, has been nominated for this year's Courage Award, but she revealed that the news came as a shock and she does not know who nominated her.
A survivor of child sexual exploitation, Miss Hawkins from Newport, has helped authorities create new procedures and training packages around the offence.
She gave evidence against her abuser, who was subsequently jailed.
She has since worked tirelessly to support police agencies to improve their response to child sexual exploitation.
Miss Hawkins spoke of her surprise at having received the nomination, saying: "I feel very shocked and honoured to be nominated.
"I don't know who nominated me but I am very thankful for whoever did.
"These awards are very important because it shows that people are seeing that there are people out there trying to help other when they're going through a very hard time in their lives."
Ms Hawkins, who has bravely waived her right to anonymity, has also worked with the the office of the police and crime commissioner to improve police service delivered to children.
"These awards are also important because it shows other young people that there are people out there that can be trusted," she added.
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