DRIVER Nigel Smith is always willing to go the extra mile - literally - to help others.

Big-hearted Mr Smith is a transport volunteer at Colchester Hospital.

His role involves driving vulnerable patients home after their stay in hospital, freeing up beds, and it’s something he carries out with a smile on his face.

Mr Smith, part of the Community 360 organisation, was nominated as one of the Gazette’s Community Champions by staff nurse Rachel Taylor and healthcare assistant Debbie Liddamore.

They wanted to show their appreciation on behalf of all staff and patients.

Mrs Taylor said: “Nigel deserves recognition for the work he does.

“He’s been invaluable to us at a time of great need, helping get patients home safely to free up beds.

“He always has a smile on his face and deserves to know he’s appreciated far and wide by staff and patients at the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust. We’d really like to thank him for his hard work and dedication, helping the hospital flow and always having a smiley, cheery face.

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“He seems to be the kind of man that has a ‘no job’s too big or small’ kind of attitude and we really appreciate his work.”

Mrs Liddamore, who works on the hospital’s emergency assessment unit, was similarly praiseworthy of Mr Smith’s efforts.

“Nigel’s always cheerful and friendly and has risked his own safety in this pandemic to help patients get safely home,” she said.

“Most days when I’m at work I see him collecting a patient. I don’t think he has days off.

“All of us on the emergency assessment unit think he’s great and find him kind and helpful towards staff and patients alike.

“He’s helped so much to make beds available by providing much-needed transport to our vulnerable patients, who would otherwise have to wait for patient transport.

“He has risked his own health on the frontline to help patients and staff and is a real team player.

“I’m glad he’s getting the recognition he deserves.

“Thanks also to Community360, for all its work behind the scenes, providing this service and the support it provides.”

* Do you know someone who has gone the extra mile during the pandemic?

From collecting shopping and donations to running errands and raising money, the challenges of the past year have brought the best out in certain people.

Individuals, groups and, of course, our key workers have gone out of their way to help others, often selflessly donating their time and energy to support friends and neighbours.

There are real heroes out there and we don’t want their good deeds to go unnoticed.

In fact, we want to reward them by shining the spotlight on their acts of kindness.

First, we need your help.

Drop us a line using the link below and tell us who you’re nominating as a community champion.

They might be a hard-working key worker - a nurse, doctor or shop worker.

Maybe you want to thank the delivery drivers, rubbish collectors, teachers, police and firefighters who have kept things running during these challenging times.

Or maybe you would like to flag up the efforts of someone who has done something special within your community - an act of kindness that has helped you or others and spread some cheer and goodwill.

Give us their name and tell us what they’ve done to help, support and inspire you and others. If you have a picture, even better.

Send us some details to matt.plummer@newsquest.co.uk or by heading HERE.