A KIND-HEARTED family friend took a local hero by surprise in the wake of the town’s Pride of Redditch Awards, helping her get 2016 off to a great start.
Following her attendance at the Awards, Clare Holder told close friend Michelle Southall that she hadn’t been a winner.
Michelle, who was nominated by Clare herself, was up for an award for the fund-raising achieved through The Lucie Southall Leukaemia Fund, which was formed in memory of her 12-year-old daughter who lost her battle against leukaemia.
Members of Team Lucie have since raised more than £62,000 through various fund-raising events.
Brave Michelle got the shock of her life when Clare and co-presenter of the Pride of Redditch Awards Ian Dipple, presented her with her award at the Fund’s annual Christmas Jumper Disco which was held at The Bridley Moor and Batchley Club last month.
“I led her by the hand to the front of the room,” said Clare. “She was totally shocked and overwhelmed by the presentation and still finds it hard to believe she actually won.
“She didn’t take her medal off all night.”
Clare added Michelle would like to thank everyone involved with Team Lucie – who helped to raise a further £1,000 from the Christmas event for the Ronald McDonald House charity at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, a cause close to the group’s heart.
