A 19-strong independent panel of judges whittled down 130 entries into a list of finalists across 13 categories.

Scoring this year’s entrants proved a difficult task, with one judge – Liz Fidler, president of the Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK – commenting: “Many entries caused tears of pride and empathy.

“What a truly amazing set of nominations that amplify the significant role of community pharmacy during the most challenging of times,” she added.

The quality of entries for the COVID Hero – Outstanding Team Award category was so high that judges could not whittle down the shortlist to anything fewer than 10 amazing stories.

This year also sees the return for the fourth year in a row of the Above and Beyond Award, which attracted entrants from across pharmacy, keen to showcase how they went the extra mile for their patients.

The Above and Beyond vote opened on Tuesday (October 12) and C+D readers have until October 22 to vote online for the story of going ‘above and beyond’ that they feel is most deserving of the trophy.

Those attending the Pharmacy Show in Birmingham this weekend (October 17-18) will also be able to vote for the most inspirational story live on C+D’s stand, B25.

The winner of all the awards will be announced at the ceremony at the Intercontinental O2 Hotel in London, on November 19.

C+D editor Beth Kennedy said: “On behalf of C+D, I want to thank everyone who took the time to enter and judge the awards this year, and look forward to celebrating with you all at the event.”

Did you or your colleague make the shortlist? View the list of finalists in full and book your place to celebrate with colleagues and peers in person