INCREDIBLE Redditch volunteer Sonia Tudor is in the final four in the West Midlands for a Pride of Britain award.
Sonia, who received a call from ITV telling her she had been nominated, has volunteered for Macmillan Cancer Support for almost 20 years.
She was put forward by Tina Brooks who went to school with Sonia’s sister.
Sonia said: “It was a real shock because although I know her we don’t speak often.
“She had come across the work I do and felt compelled to nominate me.
“I was lost for words when I got the call, I kept going quiet and asking ‘is it really the Pride of Britain?”
A piece was filmed on Sonia’s story which will be broadcast on ITV News at 6pm on Wednesday.
After every candidate’s video has had its night to shine, a panel will decide the winner with the big announcement being made live on Friday night.
Sonia’s journey to becoming a Macmillan supporter began back in 2002 with a misdiagnosis of her mum.
“By the time they found out she had cancer it was too late,” said Sonia.
“But we were given a Macmillan nurse, Jenny, and she was incredible – she really was our light in the dark during that period.”
Her mum died eight weeks later, and since then Sonia has been helping Macmillan through fund-raising.
Eight years after her mum passed away Sonia’s dad was diagnosed with lung cancer.
“We were walking down the corridor at the Alex and my mum’s Macmillan Nurse recognised us and said ‘hello’,” said Sonia.
“Dad was ever so chuffed, and although he had a different Macmillan Nurse Jenny would still drop in to see him for a chat.”
Sonia has since taken on other roles including being an Ambassador for Worcestershire, a practical emotional and support buddy and being on the Macmillan Redditch committee.
And she has set her sights on raising £20,000 for Macmillan when she competes in this year’s London Marathon next Sunday, October 2.
“Cancer is vile, it doesn’t discriminate and can affect anyone.
“The more money we’ve got in the pot, the more Macmillan can do and that is what motivates me to help.
“Of course being nominated for Pride of Britain is a nice bonus and it would be lovely to win, but if you volunteer it’s because you want to be there for people and if I know in my heart that I’ve helped others that is all the reward I need.”
Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/tudor-clay22? to donate to Sonia’s page.
