Mike Bowden of Rowde has been nominated for Britain's Most Inspiring Fundraiser', a national award being held in memory of renowned fundraiser Jane Tomlinson. The competition, run by charity search engine Everyclick.com, hopes to recognise the exceptional volunteer fundraising efforts of local people and take this opportunity to share their incredible stories. The winner will be announced on 11 June, and will receive £20,000 for their chosen charity.
Jane, who raised more than £1.75 million for cancer charities through a series of gruelling physical challenges, whilst battling breast cancer, will be an inspiration to all nominees. Sadly, Jane passed away in September 2007, but her family are determined to continue her astonishing charitable work.
Mike Bowden of Rowde was nominated for his outstanding dedication and passion in fundraising for Rowdeford Charity Trust:
"I nominate Mike Bowden for the devotion and sacrifice devoted to Rowdeford Charity Trust despite his own ill health. Rowdeford School is a mixed secondary school for 130 children with severe learning disabilities. Mike as a governor founded the charity in 2001 to enhance the facilities for these children using redundant and derelict buildings within the school grounds Projects completed include accessible paths through the woodland, raised pond for outdoor science classes and complete restoration of the walled garden including Victorian glasshouses. This project now employs an instructor gardener who not only grows perennials to sell for the charity but takes children for horticultural lessons.
The next and largest project is to create and Arts Therapy Centre using the derelict coach house. Music and dance are important to children with autism spectrum disorders. The auditorium will be multifunctional and will be open for use by the community. Mike is now embarking on the enormous task of raising £480,000 Future projects include an environmental centre using the kennels and potting shed restoration for inclement weather horticultural lesson days.
Mike has vision, drive, tenacity, raising £50,000 by organising a fire walk, selling Christmas cards designed by the children, running an annual Garden Fair, setting up the web site and many more ideas. I believe that the lives of these children have been enriched by his unselfish generosity
Mike, now 70, works all day nearly every day raising over £300,000 for the projects since he founded the charity. He takes no salary or expenses and is takes any setback as a challenge. He is generous, positive and inspires confidence that our goals will be met."
Polly Gowers, founder of Everyclick.com said: "I am delighted to be able to highlight the incredible achievements of volunteer fundraisers across the UK. Britain's Most Inspiring Fundraiser was launched in memory of Jane Tomlinson and the competition is all about recognising and commending the fantastic efforts of the thousands of volunteer fundraisers across the UK, who selflessly give up their time and energy to raise money for causes that are close to their hearts.
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Mike Tomlinson, widower of Jane Tomlinson said: "I'm so proud of what Jane achieved. She was just an ordinary woman who made a big difference to the causes she cared about. That's why I'm supporting Everyclick.com in its search to find Britain's Most Inspirational Fundraisers - people just like Jane, who volunteer their time and energies to perform vital fundraising.
"Britain's Most Inspiring Fundraiser is a fantastic tribute to Jane and a living memoriam to all she achieved. I'm delighted to be involved in a project that helps recognise the ordinary people, who like Jane, make an incredible difference to people's lives across the UK."
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