NICOLA Wheeler, a local fundraiser, has won the ‘Fundraiser of the Year’ award in the Telegraph & Argus’ 2023 Community Stars Awards.

In the last two years, Nicola has raised over £10,000 for Airedale Hospital and Community Charity, the official dedicated charity of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust.

Nicola, who works at Marks & Spencer in Ilkley, was nominated by Jodie Hearnshaw, AHCC’s Charity Manager. Jodie said: “We’re over the moon for Nicola.

“Nicola has been a fantastic advocate, supporter, and fundraiser for AHCC’s haematology and oncology fund over the last few years.

“The award is very well-deserved, and we’re so grateful for all of Nicola’s support and advocacy.”

After Nicola’s friend was diagnosed with terminal cancer, she decided to shave her head for charity, along with doing a wild swim every day.

Jodie said: “Nicola selflessly asked her friend where she would like the money she raised to be donated and made sure she was involved. She is a true community star.”

Nicola said: “I’m so honoured to have received the award for Fundraiser of the Year.

“I couldn’t have done this without the encouragement and support of my friends, family, customers from M&S, and local businesses. Airedale Hospital and Community Charity is a cause close to my heart, and I look forward to continuing to raise money for their Haematology and Oncology Day Unit in 2024 and beyond.”

Airedale Hospital and Community is the official dedicated charity for Airedale NHS Foundation Trust.

Funds raised for the charity enhance patient care and employee wellbeing at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust and the surrounding community, providing items and services that are above and beyond NHS provision.

For more information, visit their website at www.airedalecharity.org. You can contact the charity team at anhsft.charity@nhs.net, or by phone at 01535 294870.