Lowri’s just champion at volunteering
A TEENAGER has received a regional volunteer award from Macmillan Cancer Support in recognition of her dedication to the charity.
Lowri Parsons, 13, from Pencoed, received the Young Macmillan Champion Award at the charity’s Volunteer Thank You Event at the National Botanic Gardens of Wales on Sunday.
The award is given in recognition to young supporters demonstrating leadership ability and going above and beyond to contribute to Macmillan through activities such as fundraising and raising awareness on social media.
Lowri, a Cowbridge Comprehensive School pupil, became a Macmillan supporter after her grandad was diagnosed with lung cancer and her nana became a member of the Pontyclun and District Fundraising Group.
From organising a team for The Mammoth Quiz, dressing up as a witch for a bucket collection, recruiting walkers to the Llantrisant Walk to even dressing up as Macmillan mascot Muggy at a fete, Lowri has taken on many different challenges.
When Lowri was 12 she decided she wanted to host her own coffee morning after being disappointed that the school event would only involve sixth formers. Lowri invited neighbours and friends and managed to raise an incredible £450.
On hearing that she had won the award, Lowri said: “I was very happy when I found out I’d won the award.
“Even if I hadn’t won, I’d still have been happy to have been chosen to take part.
“I started fundraising when my nan started, and then my mum and step- dad joined in and I just wanted to help out.
“I really liked being Muggy, that was really fun and has been my favourite activity so far.”
Lowri’s grandmother Yvonne Peters said: “All of us as a family were delighted when Lowri decided to host a coffee morning of her own.
“The family had recently moved and didn’t know any of their neighbours, so Lowri took it upon herself to write invitation cards to them all.
“Many of them came, and many of those who weren’t able to join us made a donation. They’re all waiting for the next one this year.
“Lowri’s granddad lost his battle with cancer in January, but he was delighted when he was told that Lowri had been nominated for an award with Macmillan and he would have been enormously proud to learn that she had won.”
Susan Morris, head of services for Macmillan Cancer Support in Wales, said: “Macmillan was set up by a volunteer over 100 years ago, and our volunteers are crucial in helping us to ensure that no one has to face cancer alone.
“We wanted to use Volunteers’ Week to say a well-deserved ‘thank you’ to all the people who give their time to help us.”