AN AWARDS scheme which is backing a fund set-up by the widow of tragic Keighley Cougars star Danny Jones is seeking eleventh-hour entries.

People have just until Monday, October 31 to submit nominations in the Yorkshire Choice Awards, which celebrate the achievements of people across the region.

This year the initiative is raising money for the Danny Jones Defibrillator Fund, which aims to provide the lifesaving devices for rugby league clubs throughout the country.

The campaign was set-up Lizzie Jones following the death last year of her husband, who collapsed during a match and was later found to have a hereditary heart condition.

The project, run in conjunction with the RFL Benevolent Fund, has already raised enough money for more than 30 clubs to receive the equipment.

Mrs Jones – a mother of young twins – has personally presented machines to several West Yorkshire rugby clubs, plus the cricket club and community centre in her home village of Northowram.

And with about two fifths of the £50,000 target achieved, it is hoped to equip many junior and community clubs by the end of the year.

Last week, Mrs Jones was named as the winner of ITV's Lorraine Inspirational Woman of the Year award.

She received the accolade at a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Theresa May.

The Yorkshire Choice Awards offer accolades across several categories, recognising outstanding individuals and businesses.

Founders Jo Maltby and Melanie Malcolm said they were delighted to have the defibrillator fund as their chosen charity.

"We met Lizzie earlier this year and were so taken aback with her story and what she has achieved in such difficult circumstances that we decided to support the fund," they said.

"The British Heart Foundation estimates more than 6,000 people are born each year in the UK with a genetic fault that puts them at a high risk of suffering from a heart condition which could lead to a heart attack or cardiac arrest.

"The defibrillator equipment could prove the difference between life and death.

"The award categories cover a wide variety of backgrounds and skill sets, yet they all have one thing in common – the will to achieve!

"Our inspiration awards are open to individuals who have made a difference – whether it's a transformation in their own lives or someone else's – and our business awards are a celebration of SME's achievements and contributions to the economy and community.

"Time is running out for submissions from those hoping to be considered for one of the prestigious accolades."

Following the nominations deadline, a public vote will take place to determine the winners.

Visit yorkshirechoiceawards.co.uk for more details.

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