Community Stars: Fundraiser award finalists

ANDY JACKSON

Andy has been volunteering for more than nine years, having started in the Bradford Cancer Research UK shop, before later becoming a Race for Life volunteer.

For the last three years, he has been chairman of the Bradford fundraising team, which raised a record £63,000 in the year up to February, taking the total to more than £150,000 since 2011.

Andy is a skin cancer survivor who was diagnosed with a non-malignant melanoma in February 2012.

His team helps to support anyone who is raising money for Cancer Research UK in the BD post code area, and also works with businesses, groups, schools and colleges to collection donations and promote awareness of the disease.

Rachel Speight-McGregor, of Cancer Research UK, who nominated Andy, said: "Andy tirelessly volunteers every week, doing collections even in areas a long way away from where he lives.

"He has an impeccable attention to detail, is always professional and open to new ideas and challenges, and he is happy to share his successes with other supporters.

"Nothing is ever too much trouble for Andy.

"He is a true unsung hero and we believe he deserves to be celebrated for his achievements and continuing support."

GRAEME PULLAN

Graeme has been an avid fundraiser for various charities with his long-distance running since 1983.

He completed the Leeds half marathon earlier this year raised £600 for ARK, a group from St John's Church in Ben Rhydding catering for individuals with special needs.

He then tackled the Great North Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in September, adding more than £1,250 to the thousands he has raised for charity down the years.

Graeme has been a volunteer at the Abbeyfield Grove House residential home in Ilkley for more than ten years, supporting staff working in the respite unit and coffee bar, and also helps out at the Christchurch and the Clarke Foley Day Care Centre in the town.

Lindsey Spencer, the volunteers' manager at the home, was one of three people to nominate Graeme for an award.

"He has devoted his life to serving the community, and to fundraising for causes which need help," she said.

"He is extremely committed, 110 per cent reliable, and a pleasure to have around.

"He is always positive and cheerful, and supportive to all who need it. I know we can always rely on Graeme, he never lets us down."

HILARY WHITE

Hilary is chairman of Bradford Disability Sport and Leisure, which runs clubs, projects and activities to support around 400 disabled athletes across the district.

The group needs to pull in around £300,000 of funding every year to ensure its sustainability.

She runs a Monday Club at The Richard Dunn Sports Centre, supports ten-pin bowling and boccia groups, and also helps out at the inclusive cycling hub at Lister Park.

Having been a trustee with the charity for more than 30 years, Hilary has also organised trips for disabled people and their families, and been involved with fundraising events such as the bi-annual cycle ride to Bradford's twin town of Hamm.

She is currently involved in raising money for Bradford athletes hoping to represent Great Britain at the Special Olympic Games in Los Angeles next year.

Councillor Doreen Lee, who nominated Hilary, said: "She has around 30 years experience in volunteering and setting up trips and events.

"She does this with exceptional ability and care.

"She gives up her own time to advise other families with disabled relatives, and has organised numerous fund-raising events for sport and leisure projects to benefit disabled people."

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