2020 Smile4Wessex Fundraiser of the Year Award

* 1. Christopher Hammond -  After delaying his 'Home to Home' fundraising plans due to the pandemic, Chris' perseverance with the planning of his event eventually paid off when, in September, he finally set off on his mammoth cycling challenge. From his original hometown of Glossop in Derbyshire, to his now home in Fareham, Hampshire, he covered over 230 miles during a really tough 3 days in the saddle - despite all the difficulties surrounding travel during Covid restrictions. 

Chris had been absolutely determined to support Smile4Wessex after spending 3 weeks earlier this year undergoing treatment at the Wessex Neurological Centre, where he continues to be monitored. He is of course justifiably proud of such a tremendous achievement, particularly coming so soon after his treatment. 

2. Helen Webster - Helen is a long standing supporter of the charity and a previous Fundraiser of the Year Award winner, having been recognised for her unfaltering dedication to raising funds for the charity. And whilst the pandemic has curtailed her usual charity stalls, cake sales and coffee mornings, she has continued to dig deep in support of Smile4Wessex. 

Having undergone epilepsy surgery at the WNC some years ago, she knows as well as anyone how much good the charity does, and her true dedication and determination to help, even in such a difficult year as this has been, was summed up when she said, "the charity needs it more than I do". 

3. Neil Westbrook, Frank Cousins and Bob Bain - Realising how devastating the Covid Lockdown would be to the charity's fundraising calendar, Neil and Frank resolved to recreate the 2005 fundraiser 'Le Tour De Farce' in which they and three friends cycled a 390 mile route from Middlesbrough to Southampton.  The 2020 Sequel necessitated a rather different format, but they set off in early May - with some pretty extreme social distancing in place!

Cycling on a turbo trainer, Neil set out to ride the equivalent of 780 miles, from Southampton to Middlesbrough and back. Meanwhile, Frank (riding on local roads in some atrocious weather), tackled a virtual 621 miles route from his home in Scotland to Southampton. Amazingly, when he learned of the challenge, they were joined by a virtual stranger in Bob from Dorset, and he too cycled the full 780 mile distance on his local roads.