Shortlist for Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year
David Hastings, RNLI
David Hastings, a dedicated RNLI volunteer for 48 years, exemplifies outstanding fundraising excellence.
As Events Organiser, he has co-ordinated over 650 events, activities and presentations, helping Durham Branch RNLI raise over £550,000 since 2002. His innovative "Betty's 5p Pots" initiative in the North East, now adopted nationally, has generated over £650,000 across the UK and Ireland. David's Community Presentations have reached 8,500 people, raising awareness and funds.
Despite personal challenges, including severe injuries from a tanker explosion, David's commitment has never wavered. His efforts have fostered numerous corporate partnerships and inspired widespread community engagement. David's impact extends beyond local initiatives to national and international events. His enthusiastic dedication, innovative approaches, and significant contributions have been recognised with multiple awards, including a British Empire Medal in 2024.
The judges said: "As a panel we were impressed by the duration of his fundraising for RNLI (48 years). The variety of his fundraising, the innovation and trying out new models of fundraising and its high quality which had brought him recognition by the national organisation. We were also impressed by the amount of money has raised."
Deborah Gascoygne, Myeloma UK
In 2009 at just 34 years old Deb Gascoyne was diagnosed with smouldering myeloma. The mother-of-two was diagnosed with the incurable blood cancer when her children were just 2 and 4.
Deb has organised and taken part in many fundraising challenges and events since diagnosis. From coffee mornings to Glitz and Glamour fundraising balls, climbing three peaks and cycling from London to Paris, to completing 40 challenges before turning 40 and another 50 challenges before turning 50 she’s willing to try and do everything to raise awareness and funds. She’s built a big community of family, friends, colleagues and others affected by myeloma that support her and Myeloma UK.
Deb has dedicated the last 16 years to supporting Myeloma UK by fundraising at every opportunity, supporting our services, volunteering for panels, and offering her time as a peer supporter. Deb is the heart of Myeloma UK volunteering!
The judges said: "Deb shows strength, determination, grit and passion and the judges were impressed by the level of commitment to the cause. Their involvement spans volunteering, fundraising, and advocacy, demonstrating remarkable dedication. She’s successfully raised £225,000 and continue to make a significant impact."
The Rodney Cook Memorial volunteer team
The Rodney Cook Memorial Rally (RCM), founded in 2018 by Gary Cook, has grown into the largest metal detecting event in Europe, drawing enthusiasts from around the globe and earning it the nickname, ‘The Glastonbury of Metal Detecting.’The rally honours the memory of his father, Rodney Cook who sadly passed away at the Royal United Hospital in 2017 after his battle with cancer.
Driven by a heartfelt commitment to supporting Cancer Services, Gary ensures that all proceeds from the detecting events ticket sales, raffle, merchandise and additional donations are donated to their chosen charities.
The RCM team recently donated an incredible £60,124 to RUHX (official NHS charity of the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust) in support of Cancer Services at the RUH from this year’s events, making their overall fundraising total over £240,000. This incredible donation will help change lives for cancer patients in Bath and Beyond.
The judges said: "The judges were impressed by the exceptionally innovative nature of the fundraising led by inspiring volunteers to raise a significant amount of money. They also said they loved the way that the event had scaled since its inception and turned into the biggest metal detecting event in Europe."