JustGiving Award winners
See who took an award home at the 2019 event.
CREATIVE
Peter Williams
Creative Fundraiser of 2019
As he set off from Bristol Children’s Hospital sat on the saddle of his daughter’s little pink bike, Peter never imagined he’d raise over £52,000 and so much awareness for The Brain Tumour Charity. As he crossed the finish line, 211 back-busting miles later, it was all worth it – no doubt his little girl, Ellie, who was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour at age 7, was watching over him the whole way.
YOUNG
Alex Macpherson
Young Fundraiser of 2019
Continuing to surprise his parents, doctors and physios, Alex donned his superhero cape and walked not only the 15 metres he ambitiously promised, but 50 metres in the Rainbow Ramble Challenge, raising over £3,500 for Rainbow House. Living with cerebral palsy – standing, eating, even lifting his head is a struggle, but he’s given his all over the last 11 years, having overcome emergency surgeries, a hip reconstruction operation and far more than any teenager should face.
CHANGE-MAKER
Sarah Lamptey
Change Maker of 2019
Because of Sarah, London’s rough sleepers can now shower in two shower systems, one in a converted trailer and one in a shipping container – leaving them feeling clean, confident and more able to plan a happy future. She crowdfunded over £6,000 to get her ShowerBox project started, and has plans to raise even more to convert more showers, buy washing machines and create book swaps across London, enhancing homeless people’s lives.
TEAM
3 Peaks Blind Team
Fundraising Team of 2019
Matthew tied on his blindfold, grabbed one of his six teammates by the arm and marched 28 miles in 24 hours – up and down the three highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales for the Royal Society for Blind Children. A charity who help children like his 9-year old daughter, Alexa who has a rare eye condition and is likely to lose her sight completely. Matt, Oliver, Doran, Ben, Ross and Jason took turns navigating Matthew through The 3 Peaks Challenge raising over £24,000.
CELEBRITY
Deborah James
Celebrity Fundraiser of 2019
She’s the Bowel Babe with the second most common cancer killer. When she’s not having treatment, writing bestselling books, co-hosting BBC’s ‘You, Me and The Big C’ podcast, and using her platform to warn us of bowel cancer symptoms, Deborah’s inspiring people to fundraise for Bowel Cancer UK and Cancer Research UK. She’s done her fair share of challenges too – from running half marathons, to organising her very own Bowel Babe Ball, inspiring others to help her raise well over £60,000.
CHARITY
Derian House Children’s Hospice
Charity of 2019
Derian House Children’s Hospice provides respite and end-of-life care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions, across Lancashire and South Cumbria. Despite the nature of their work, Derian House is not a sad place; their corridors are full of joy and laughter as they do everything in their power to make sure that children and families make precious memories together. In 2019 they even created their own video of the popular ‘Baby Shark’ (doo, doo, doo, doo!)
ENDURANCE
Mavis Paterson
Endurance Fundraiser of 2019
The oldest woman to cycle the length of Britain (at 81!) is no stranger to epic bike rides having previously taken part in a 24hour cycle challenge. This time though, motivated by memories of her three children, who died within four years of each other, all in their 40’s, Mavis pedalled 960 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats, finishing in just 23 days. All against doctors’ orders before her hip replacement! But what’s more? She’s raised over £70,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
OUTSTANDING COMMITMENT
Katherine Tansey
Outstanding Commitment 2019
Throughout 7-year-old Isla’s treatment for a rare form of cancer, she would decorate stones with her friends. Thanks to her mum, Katherine and her family’s devotion, #IslaStones continues to thrive since Isla passed away. To raise awareness, decorated stones are now hidden around the world, from the North Pole and New Zealand to Mexico and Middlesbrough each with instructions to share a photo on social media and re-hide it. Over 65,000 have joined in and helped raise over £70,000 for the charity, Abbie’s Army.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
Shane Yerrell
Special Recognition 2019
“You don’t have to know someone to want to help them” – Shane Yerrell
Having been a victim of a knife attack in 2007, Shane’s the man on a mission to turn his experience into something positive. Described as having ‘the kindest heart’, this crowdfunding superhero has raised over £40,000. With not one, but 22 JustGiving pages, each to support a different person, family or charity (who he’s probably never even met) – Shane isn’t one to shy away from a challenge.
With stories of tragedy dominating the news, his passion for helping others and dedication to fundraising was probably most evident when he climbed Mount Snowden… on crutches! Here’s hoping that we can all just be a little more like Shane.
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