Fundraising duo express 'shock' and 'delight' at Community Gold Award win (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

St Albans fundraising duo crowned latest winners of Community Gold Award

1:45pm Friday 6th August 2010 in News By Manisha Mistry

FIFTEEN years of fundraising has finally paid off for a St Albans duo as they are crowned the latest winners of a Community Gold Award.

Friends Margaret Hill and Mary Cutler were nominated by the community fundraiser at Grove House hospice, Liz Hizli, in recognition of the contribution they have made over the years.

Liz, who described them as a “lovely” pair, said the charity would struggle to stay afloat without the support and dedication of people like Margaret and Mary.

After hearing the news that she, and her long-standing friend Mary, had won the award Margaret, 65, of Bridle Close, said: “Obviously I'm delighted – it just feels so good to be appreciated.

“We don't do it for recognition, we enjoy doing it and that's why we have been going for so long.”

Mary, 72, of Beech Road, added: “I'm shocked – we just carry on doing it, we don't thing anything of it.

“Now it's become a part of our lives and a part of what we do.”

The Community Gold Award scheme, which is run by the Review in conjunction with solicitors Debenhams Ottaway, aims to recognise unsung heroes within the district.

Louise Attrup, partner at the St Peter's Street solicitors, said: “Debenhams Ottaway staff have themselves raised funds for Grove House – so it's a charity close to our hearts.

“The support Margaret and Mary have shown the charity is quite humbling and I hope it will inspire others to do more for this very worthy cause.”