Charity champs are a big inspiration

This has been one of the most difficult 12 months for the nation, but the spirit shown by selfless individuals and the generosity of the public never ceases to amaze.

While Captain Tom, who sadly passed away this week, captured the hearts of the nation with his amazing charity effort which raised millions, there are many more less-heralded fundraisers who have also received fabulous support.

One such story is the charity effort of former Sunderland schoolboy Roger Miller who joined Cancer Research UK’s Run 56 Miles Challenge.

His attempt to raise cash was all the more remarkable as Roger, 51, is battling cancer himself.

He set his sights on raising £350 with the run, only to smash his fundraising target before he reached the starting line! A grateful Roger tells us today how he was “overwhelmed” by the support for his appeal.

He said: “The response has been fantastic. I am totally astonished by everyone’s generosity.

"It is the first time I have done something like this and I wasn’t too sure what to expect. But we have totally smashed it already and I just want to thank everyone for donating what they can.”

Dad-of-four Roger has his good and bad days while he battles advanced prostate cancer but the support he has received has only made him doubly determined to succeed.

Like Captain Tom, Roger and many others who have shone with their charity efforts during this pandemic are an inspiration in difficult times. We salute them all.