Cheryl Barnacle, from Stockingford Nuneaton has been awarded the title of ‘Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year 2011’ by Cancer Research UK. Since losing her husband Clive to the disease in 2007 she has put her energies into raising thousands of pounds towards helping prevent others from going through the same pain.
Cheryl decided to put all her time and efforts into the helping the cause, giving up her job so she could make the maximum impact. Since then, she helped to raise more than £217,000, along with the help of many other local people.
She has organised events across North Warwickshire, collected donations, placed collection boxes, and has been helped by individuals as well as local businesses.
After receiving notification of her award in the post, Cheryl thought she had simply been nominated. However, she had beaten people across the country to receive the prestigious award.
She travelled down to London to accept the award in a ceremony at Hotel Russell. Cancer Research UK commended her commitment and passion. However, Cheryl still doesn’t consider her work complete, organising a Black Tie Ball in husband Clive’s memory.