This has been a truly terrible year.

Quite apart from the economic devastation wrought by the pandemic, the human casualties have been almost unbearable.

Many of us have lost close relatives and friends, in circumstances that can only be described as cruel — however essential the restrictions on gatherings may be.

But throughout history, humans have shown that however awful things may be, there is also scope for good — and for us to demonstrate the altruism which helps define our species.

In that respect, this past year has been no different.

The entire nation was inspired by Sir Tom Moore. Beyond his heroism, however, have been a myriad number of people doing good deeds for the benefit of others.

That’s true across the country. And it’s also true for our own community where, this month alone, we have reported on Aaron Wayne, who has been helping cook meals for NHS staff and shuls offering their premises as vaccine and testing centres — not to mention the series of charities that have raised vast sums online in place of their usual annual dinners.

And then there are the heroes whose skills have helped save others, from consultants ditching their usual field to work as intensive care nurses to paramedics, ambulance drivers and porters who are going above and beyond.

So many in our community are giving their time and energy for the benefit of others. And hearing about these acts of altruism themselves has been a tonic.

That’s why, to mark a year of the pandemic, we are launching our JC Covid Hero Awards, in partnership with Healthcare Clarity.

We want you to nominate someone you think deserves to be recognised for their efforts during the pandemic.

It could be someone we have all already heard about, perhaps working with many other heroes in the NHS or a charity — or it could be someone who, in their own individual way, is doing good but no one knows about.

There are no criteria other than that you, our readers, think someone deserves to be recognised.

Nominations are open now, and will stay open until 5 March.

Please email us with the name of the person — or group — you want to nominate and a brief explanation of why you think they deserve recognition.

The address for nominations is:

JCCovidHero@thejc.com

We will then compile a shortlist, and ask readers to vote from that shortlist for the three winners of the JC Covid Hero Awards, in partnership with Healthcare Clarity.