Fundraisers’ hard work recognised with awards nomination
TWO Welsh fundraisers have been nominated for national awards which recognise people who have done great things for charity.
The JustGiving Awards 2016 are a way of congratulating and celebrating people, charities and teams who’ve done incredible things by using the website to raise funds and awareness.
The awards are split up into eight categories including Creative Fundraiser of the Year, Endurance Fundraiser of the Year, Fundraising Team of the Year, Young Fundraiser of the Year, The Outstanding Commitment Award, The JustGiving Life Changer Award, Crowdfunder of the Year, and Celebrity Fundraiser of the Year.
Rhian Burke, the founder of the 2 Wish Upon a Star charity, is one of three nominees in the Outstanding Commitment Award.
Rhian, of Miskin, suffered the unimaginable heartache of losing her baby son and husband in two separate tragedies.
Her son George and husband Paul died within five days of each other in February 2012. George was only one when he was suddenly taken ill. He was rushed to hospital and despite the efforts of doctors, died soon after arriving. A few days later, Paul also died.
Determined that no other parent should have to suffer the same ordeal and find themselves unable to cope, Rhian set up 2 Wish Upon a Star.
She has been raising money tirelessly to allow hospitals across South Wales to offer better bereavement services.
Rhian has so far raised more than £700,000.
The charity also works with hospitals across Wales to provide supplies such as bereavement boxes for parents, which contain materials such as a disposable camera, hand and footprint sets, and bags for locks of hair so parents can make a pack to remember their child.
The other fundrais- ers from Wales who have been nominated are the family of Mike Evans.
They have been nominated for the Fundraising Team of the Year award.
Policeman and fatherof-two Mike Evans has been diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour after he began feeling ill after his daughter Lily’s graduation.
He went to work the following day but blacked out and hit his head. While in hospital, he had a chronic seizure.
It was months later in February this year that the tumour was diagnosed and he was rushed into hospital for surgery.
Since then, Mike, 49, has been having treatment at Velindre Cancer Centre.
While going through his treatment, Mike, his family and friends have devised a number of challenges.
Mike recently took part in a long course triathlon on Tenby and while he was part way through chemotherapy.
So far, they have raised almost £27,000 for Velindre Cancer Care.
Visit justgiving.com/ awards/2016/voting/ to pick your nomination in the JustGiving 2016 awards.