BOUQUET OF THE WEEK Scientist raised £8k for charity

A DEDICATED fundraiser from Rhiwbina is the recipient of this week’s Bouquet of the Week.

Caroline Tinsley, 38, was nominated by the team at Tenovus Cancer Care.

The research scientist was put up for the prize because she has dedicated a whole year to raising funds.

A spokeswoman for Tenovus Cancer Care said Caroline understands the first-hand devastation cancer can bring. She lost her dad to oesophageal cancer, and more recently lost her mum to secondary breast cancer.

But to give something back to the charity that helped support her family, Caroline volunteered for a number of challenges to raise funds for the cause.

Mhairi Jones, running and challenge events manager at Tenovus Cancer Care, said: “It goes without saying that our charity could not function without the support of wonderfully bold, brave and caring people like Caroline. As a thank you for her continued support, we would like to nominate her for the Bouquet of the Week.”

Caroline’s first event for her “year of challenges” was the London Marathon in April last year.

As a relatively novice runner, this was the first time she really pushed herself outside her boundaries. She managed to raise an amazing £2,000 for the charity – and this was just the beginning.

Since then, Caroline has gone on to raise almost £8,000 by taking on several challenges.

She completed four half marathons, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, cycled more than 140km with Velothon Wales and is also set to take on the world of triathlons.

But despite Caroline’s great efforts, she was still surprised to be awarded the bouquet.

“I’m shocked,” said Caroline. “I am very surprised that someone has put by name forward but I’m humbled to receive the bouquet.”

Even though she admitted that climbing Kilimanjaro was one of the toughest challenges she had to face, she loved every moment.

“I have met so many amazing friends through gaining involvement with the charity,” she said

“I’ve made friends for life and it’s been amazing.”

She also praised the work the charity does to support families by offering counselling, providing financial advice and generally supporting families in need.

“Tenovus really does some amazing work,” she added.

“I’m really glad something back.”

If you know someone who deserves an Echo Bouquet of the Week, E-mail your nomination, with I helped to give reasons, and your name, address, and telephone number to echo. newsdesk@walesonline.co.uk. You can also write to South Wales Echo, Six Park Street, Cardiff, CF10 1XR. Usual Media Wales terms and conditions apply and all nominees must agree to be photographed.