Cornish woman wins ITV's regional Pride of Britain Award
Chrissie Jackson has won Fundraiser of the Year for the West Country region.
Last updated 9th Oct 2020
A Cornish woman who has terminal cancer has won this year's ITV Pride of Britain Award 2020 Fundraiser of the Year for the West County region.
Chrissie Jackson from Newquay was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic cancer in January 2019 after having raced from Australia to China in the fifth leg of the Clipper Round the World Race last year.
She was about to set sail in the next race from China to Seattle when she first became unwell and required immediate medical care.
Since her diagnosis, her ultimate goal is to raise as much money possible to selected charities and good causes, in and around Cornwall, that are close to her heart.
Chrissie's Sunshine Appeal
Chrissie decided to set up a fundraising initiative, taking on a whole calibre of challenges including "Chemo in Cool Place", which saw the 48-year-old have treatment everywhere from music festivals to Tower Bridge.
The causes Chrissie is supporting include The Cove Macmillian, RCHT Cove Amenity Fund, Sunrise Appeal, St Francis Dogs Home, Sally's Cat Rescue, Newquay RNLI, Prickles and Paws - Hedgehog Rescue, Newquay Towan Blystra Lions and Bodmin Moorland Pony Rehabilitation.
So far, the Sunshine Appeal has raised a total of almost £50,000 which is then shared among these charities.
“To be able to put something back in that time frame has given me a reason and a purpose to get up and out of bed of everyday. We all need a reason. Maybe this is my random act if kindness; to put give something back and to feel good from that and the energy and the positivity I’ve received from people has blown me away.
“I can't believe it I'm absolutely overwhelmed…it's been absolutely tremendous. It's only because of everybody’s support and donations to Chrissie’s Sunshine appeal so I want to thank everybody so, so much.”
Chrissie Jackson
She is now in the running to become the national winner which will be announced at a ceremony later this year.
Donors will get to select the charity they want to support.
If you would like to make a donation to one of Chrissie's chosen charities, visit Chrissie's Sunshine Appeal's website.