CELEBRATIONS Good cause recognises two diamond volunteers

TWO dedicated and hardworking volunteers who carry out charity work in Cardiff and contribute to thousands of pounds being raised are celebrating after their works were recognised this week.

Susan Smith, of Llandaff Cathedral, and Beryl Bisset, of Llanishen Baptist Church in Cardiff, have been awarded Diamond Awards this week for years of faithful fundraising for charity Christian Aid.

As Christian Aid marks 60 years of its annual fundraising drive, Christian Aid Week, the charity is celebrating the incredible dedication of its supporters.

Every May, thousands of supporters take to the streets – for door-to-door collections, bake sales, sponsored walks, abseils, among many other events – to raise money to support people around the world living in poverty.

The award was presented to Susan Smith by the head of Christian Aid Wales, Huw Thomas, at a special service at Llandaff Cathedral.

Under Susan’s supervision in 2016, the cathedral become the first church in Wales to ever raise more than £10,000 during Christian Aid Week.

This Christian Aid Week (May 14-20) the cathedral has many collections and events organised, including a Sunday school toy sale, a War on Want lunch, the involvement of Llandaff City Primary School and the famous house collection.

John Bethell nominated Mrs Smith for the award. He said: “For over 40 years the cathedral parish of Llandaff has maintained a highly successful house to house collection for Christian Aid Week. However in 2014, the former organiser had to step down and we feared the tradition seemed likely to cease.

“Sue Smith bravely accepted the role and over the past two years she has produced amazing results. Sue has lived in Llandaff for only a short time, but has brought a wealth of enthusiasm and experience.

“She has set up a small team of dedicated helpers and has broadened the commitment of the parish as a community to the world outside our doors. She is a great encouragement to us all and well deserving of this award.”

Beryl Bisset also received an award for her long-term support as her Christian Aid Week plant sale in Llanishen marks its 38th year.

In 1979, the Bisset family in Llanishen set up a stall outside their home to sell plants from their garden and raised the wonderful sum of £9.

The plant sale has grown over the years to include the whole church and the event regularly brings in about £2,500 each year. The event this year included bacon butties, a bric a brac sale, and games organised by the church youth group.

Beryl said: “I was surprised and pleased to receive this award, but of course the award extends to all who help with the Christian Aid plant sale at Llanishen Baptist.

“We began the plant sale as a way to get our children involved in raising money for Christian Aid’s work. We got mothers of our children’s friends involved by baking cakes, and our friends and neighbours dug up plants from their gardens to sell.

“The event has grown so much over the years, that we now have to get the plants from a garden centre, who give us a good discount. It is a real community event, with all ages helping out.”

Head of Christian Aid Wales Huw Thomas said: “It is no exaggeration to say that it is thanks to the dedication and vision of supporters like Susan and Beryl that we are able to respond and not only reach these people in desperate need but also challenge the causes of poverty at the same time.

“Their commitment changes lives and it is a privilege to recognise their contribution towards a world where people not only survive, but thrive.”