Blurton based charity, Douglas Macmillan, known as Dougie Mac, has had two people shortlisted at the annual Your Heroes Awards. 

14-year-old Kieran Hankin, who raised thousands of pounds for the charity to say thank you for the care he received, has been shortlisted in the Child of Courage category, and 65-year-old Lynn Parkin has been shortlisted in the Carer of the year category at the awards which highlight the unsung heroes in communities across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. 

Kieran Hankin, from Tean, who is known to family and friends as 'K-Man', was diagnosed with Friedreich's Ataxia just before his seventh birthday. 

The condition is a life-changing, life-limiting, degenerative neuromuscular disease which affects his balance, co-ordination and muscle strength. 

Kieran also has Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, which means the muscles of his heart are abnormally thick, making it harder for his heart to pump blood around his body and contributing to severe fatigue.

He was also diagnosed with Pes Cavvus, which has made his feet turn inwards and led to his loss of mobility. 

Kieran has undergone major surgeries to his spine, which in his mum Leeann's words: "Have made Kieran dig so deep, both physically and mentally. 

"Yet after his last bout of major surgery, he was back in school within a month. 

"He really is not just hugely brave – he's also an inspiration to me and others." 

Over the years, Kieran has raised thousands of pounds for charity. For his last challenge, he swam nine kilometres and raised more than £3,500 for Dougie Mac. 

Kieran started attending Dougie Mac's Children's Services six years ago. 

Mum Leeann added: "The whole staff have been amazing invaluable sources of support and information. 

"There is so much warmth about the place – we are so lucky in Staffordshire to have this amazing charity on our doorsteps. I can't tell you how much they have done for us. 

"We have gone through so much and recently through multiple challenging surgeries for Kieran who will continue to face challenge after challenge. But he is an unbelievable boy. 

"Kieran has raised thousands for charity, and we are hoping that he can get a new trike that matches his needs soon, so he can continue to give." 

Dougie Mac healthcare support worker Lynn Parkin has also been shortlisted in the Carer of the Year category. 

Lynn has worked at the hospice for 38 years and is due to retire in December. 

Douglas Macmillan said: "Lynn began her journey on the inpatient unit, where her unwavering care for patients set the tone for her career. 

"She known for bringing warmth, professionalism and a deep sense of compassion to every role she has held." 

Lynn's transition to the Day Therapy team saw her supporting patients living in the community and helping them maintain independence and dignity. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic she developed new skills to support patients remotely. 

Most recently Lynn has been part of the Specialist Community team, contributing to the care of a caseload of more than 1,000 people. 

The Your Heroes Awards are sponsored by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, GivEnergy, Woolcool, PREM Management, The Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, The Potteries Educational Trust, Shepherd PR, and is organised at the University of Staffordshire. 

The ceremony will take plave at the Double Tree by Hilton Stoke-on-Trent on November 27.