Melanie's daughter Molly was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour when aged only eight.  During the six months following her diagnosis Molly wrote a book 'Adventures of Ella Rose' the copies of which raised £3000 for Little Havens.  Spurred on by Mum Melanie, she also ran in the race for life.  Molly passed away during September 2010.  Despite her sadness, four monthe later, Melanie began fundraising herself for Haven House, helped in no small way by her other daughter Bella.   She has now raised an unbelievable £100,000.  Melanie has also fundraised extensively for Cancer Research and Brain Tumour Charities.  Her nominator said of Melanie: "In the face of tragedy she has been determined to help others deal with the heartache that she has experienced.  Her commitment and energy continues to astound everyone who meets her."

Mr. ASHRAF PATEL is the associate specialist in Breast Disease at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Epping, and The Princess Alexandra in Harlow. He has for 18 years been involved in clinical research to enhance both treatment and care. 12 years ago he took over the responsibility for The Breast Unit Charity. He has overseen hundreds of fund raising events… Cake sales, Black Tie Balls, Party nights, Half marathons, Golf, Tennis, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Abseiling, Bike riding, Sailing and Bucket collections. He regularly gives up his own holiday to compete in physically challenging events, from Everest and Kilimanjaro to the Inca Trail. Under his guidance this year funding reached the £2 million mark.  His nominator says, “Ashraf’s determination and passion to successfully help to prevent this life threatening disease, never ceases to amaze all those who know him.”

Isobel Parmenter from Colchester became sick shortly after her first birthday. Leading to harrowing

treatment, and investigation, at three hospitals, Colchester, Addenbrookes and Great Ormond

Street.Eventually  she was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer called Histiocytosis.Sadly, ‘Izzy’ passed away in October last year, having lived a short and painful life of only 22 months. To help them cope with their grief, and inspired by their brave daughter, parents Michael and Suzanne turned to charity work for HistioUK. The charity supports children, adults and their families, who have to cope with this terrible disease. Mike ran the BUPA 10 mile with a team of nine, as well as the Cancer Research race, this time with a team of 53 ladies! They have already had one charity barn dance and plan a charity ball in February next (Some tickets are still available!) The sum they raised now exceeds £7,000 and is rising daily.

       Richard Barker almost died of an infection when only nine years old. Thankfully experimental treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital saved him. The heavy drugs took their toll leaving him with ‘Chronic Fatigue Syndrome’. Aged 16 and feeling a little better, he decided to give something back by raising funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital. He didn’t stop there, for the last twelve years he has raised funds for many other charities including; Help the Heroes and Haven’s House Hospice. Richard uniquely collects, and scrounges, for auction, signed memorabilia from celebrities. His Mother Anita told us that he initially set a target of raising £30,000 in 30 donations by his thirtieth birthday. At the time she wrote to us this one appeal alone had raised over forty six thousand pounds…. and is still rising.

       IAN SOUTHGATE is from Southend. He has raised many thousands of pounds over the years for

       various charities. Last year he devised his own social media challenge … NOWMOWNATE… Men were asked to pay for the privilege of being photographed naked in their gardens, with conveniently placed garden implements protecting their modesty… as you can imagine it raised a lot of fuss … more importantly it raised a lot of money as well. This year Ian has continued fund raising for Leukemia Research, in the name of his pretty grand daughter Hattie. Hattie’s Hero’s were created, they now wear bright orange wristbands. Ian managed to persuade many of the hero’s to perform ‘Hattie’s Hakka’ on social media, among them was England rugby captain Kyran Bracken. Ian’s war dance against Leukemia has raised over one hundred thousand pounds so far this year. Ian’s new target is to encourage  as many people as possible to get on the donors list for bone marrow transplant… we wish him every  success.