A WOMAN from Callington has been presented with a national award for her dedication at always ‘going the extra mile’ to raise funds for a children’s charity.

Rosemary Hambly is a member of Callington and Gunnislake Methodist Circuit and has been a dedicated fundraiser for Action for Children for 37 years.

In October last year Rosemary heard she had been nominated for the charity’s ‘outstanding supporter 2020’ award as part of its Stephenson Awards, which celebrates everyone who goes the extra mile to make sure Action for Children is there for the UK’s most vulnerable and neglected children, young people and families.

Rosemary was one of three to be nominated and was announced as overall winner at a ceremony in London last week.

The charity was founded 150 years ago by the Rev Thomas Bowman Stephenson when he found two homeless children living under the arches of Waterloo Station and took them, and many more children, off the streets.

Each year, in memory of Mr Stephenson, the charity recognises its supporters, volunteers, foster carers, adoptive parents and staff members for their work and the children, young people and families it supports.

Rosemary was nominated for the award by Jamie Lee, South West area fundraising manager for Action for Children.

‘Rosemary is an essential member of the Callington Methodist Church. Callington raises more money than any other church in the county. This is thanks to Rosemary’s amazing commitment.

‘Rosemary has dedicated her life to helping children. She is a lifelong Action for Children supporter and has raised tens of thousands of pounds.

‘Rosemary is always looking for new ways to raise money and awareness. She simply never stops.

‘Rosemary is one of a kind, with relentless commitment, energy and drive.’

On receiving her award Rosemary said: ‘I didn’t know I had won until the day of the award ceremony.

‘It’s nice to feel appreciated and I am glad that this ceremony was done on a strict budget.

‘This award is not about me it’s about the charity and I want this award to promote the work that the charity does.

‘I get terrific support from the circuit members and each year we make around £3,000 for the charity through our various events.’