Florist shortlisted for Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Award after raising more than £45K for The Prince of Wales Hospice

Michelle, of Michelle’s Flowers, was nominated by the fundraising team at The Prince of Wales Hospice in recognition of her fundraising efforts in 2019.

Out of thousands of nominations, Michelle has been shortlisted along with four others in the region for ‘Fundraiser of the Year' at the awards, the annual televised show that recognises and celebrates the achievements of remarkable people who make our world a better place.

Michelle turned ‘nifty at fifty’ In February 2019 and dedicated a full year to completing 50 challenges to raise vital funds for the hospice.

Her initial target was to raise £30,000, but she far exceeded this with an incredible total of £45,844.

Her weird and wonderful challenges included shaving her head, dying her hair blue, taking on the world’s longest zip wire and running the hospice 10k on Father’s Day in memory of her dad who died at the hospice.

Rebecca Taylor, Community Fundraiser at The Prince of Wales Hospice said: "We nominated Michelle for the award because she is an inspiration to everyone who knows her. Her fundraising efforts are selfless and she dedicates all her spare time to raising funds for our hospice.

"As part of the process, the fundraising team nominated her and we asked members of our community to vote for her through a web link. Michelle is such a huge part of our community and everyone has got behind her. I do believe many other people nominated her for the award too.

"It was so exciting to hear that she has made the final shortlist for our region, and all of us at the Hospice have everything crossed that she will win! She is a remarkable lady and she truly deserves the award."

Michelle’s father passed away at the hospice in 2005, and she has raised an incredible £81,220 since 2011.

Talking about her experience, Michelle said; "I first wanted to support the hospice because of our experience, and the help we received caring for my dad. We wanted to give something back.

"I wanted to help everyone else to see it how we see it; A place for everyone and their families, who need support with terminal illness. Somewhere that is dignified, peaceful and friendly."

When asked about how she feels about the nomination for the Pride of Britain Awards, Michelle said: "There are so many words to describe how I feel, completely overwhelmed, surprised and extremely proud and humbled by the whole experience."

The Prince Of Wales Hospice wishes Michelle the best of luck for the final of the awards. Keep your eyes peeled for Michelle’s nomination video which will be released next week on the hospice’s social media channels.

The winner will be announced on Friday, October 2.