St Albans women rewarded for fundraising efforts (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Two women from St Albans rewarded for fundraising efforts for Keech Hospice Care

8:50am Monday 8th November 2010 in News By Manisha Mistry

TWO grandmothers from St Albans who have dedicated most of their lives to raising money for a charity which supports sick children have been rewarded for their efforts.

Julia Butcher and Angela Wildman are known well in the area for their delicious strawberry tea parties which each year raise vital cash for Keech Hospice Care.

The pair were nominated for the Review's Community Gold Award by the charity's fundraiser Janice O'Neill who praised Julia and Angela for their tireless work every year.

The awards are run in conjunction with solicitors Debenhams Ottaway to reward unsung heroes across the district.

Speaking about her achievement Julia, 72, of Stanley Avenue, Chiswell Green, said: “I can't believe it – thank you very much.

“I'm shocked because I never thought we'd actually win. It's one thing being nominated but actually being told you are a winner is amazing.

“I want to thank everybody who comes to our parties and fundraising events every year because we wouldn't be able to give the charity the money if it wasn't for their support.”

Angela, of Hazel Road, Park Street, added: “I'm delighted. It's just something we've been doing for years now.”

Julia said she learned about the charity after hearing about a child in the village who needed to spend time at Keech Hospice Care in Luton.

After that she helped a friend with her fundraising events for the adult section of the charity and then joined with Angela to raise money for the charity's work with children.

Do you know an individual, business or charity who makes a difference in the community? Why not nominate them for a Community Gold Award. You can enter by emailing your hero’s name and any relevant contact details to revieweditor@london.newsquest.co.uk catchlining your email hero. You can also enter by text or by phone. Send your text to 80360. Start your text with the word hero, leave a space and then enter the name and contact details of your unsung hero. Please also include your name and a contact number so we can get in touch with you in the event we are unable to contact your nominated person. To nominate by phone, simply call 09012 210048 and leave the details of your unsung hero when prompted. Calls cost no more than 25p per call from a BT landline. Calls from mobiles and some other networks may cost more. Texts cost 25p plus your normal operator text charge. Telephone and text voting lines open 08/02/2010 and close 15/12/2010 at 23:59PM. For full terms visit http://www.newsquest.co.uk/terms. Service Provided by Newsquest Media Group.