Devon heroes have amazing chance to do something special
Heroes across Devon could land up to £2,500 to help them boost their communities, thanks to a new fund set up to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards.
Grants of £2,500, £1,000 and £500 are all available as part of the Pride of Britain Fund’s £100,000 giveaway for good causes, and you can nominate the people or groups who you think should receive it.
It could be someone such as Louise Butcher who has raised thousands for her local hospital, running topless across the land, after a double mastectomy. The superstar Royal Devon Hospitals Charity fundraiser and ambassador - aka The Topless Runner’ – laced up her running shoes in October 2022, just days after finishing radiotherapy treatment.
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The mum-of-two was still recovering from a double mastectomy only months before but took on the virtual London Marathon to raise money for the Fern Centre at North Devon District Hospital, the cancer and wellbeing centre that had been supporting Louise and her family.
In April that year, Louise, from Braunton was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer, just three weeks after being given the all clear following a mammogram.
The ultrasound had picked up a form of the disease that is sometimes missed by mammograms and within weeks, Louise was given the devastating news that she needed a mastectomy.
She decided to decline the offer of reconstructive surgery and had mastectomies to remove her breasts in June and August.
A five-day course of radiotherapy followed in September, and only three days after finishing her treatment, Louise ran her first marathon.
In April 2023, she made national and international news when running the 26.2-mile distance again – this time going topless, proudly displaying the scars of her double mastectomy.
Louise said that by running topless, she hopes to raise awareness, reduce the stigma of surgery scars and encourage body positivity in women.
“It’s to give encouragement to women and men about being body positive and accepting the way they have become or the way they are,” she said.
“It’s about seeing beauty in scars rather than covering them up. These scars saved my life and enable me to see my children grow up.”
Recently, she has backed the Topless Swim event in Ilfracombe, which has sold out. The event takes place on November 3 at Ilfracombe Tunnels and will raise funds for breast cancer care at North Devon District Hospital.
The £100,000 giveaway is part of celebrations to mark the 25th anniversary of the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards, which are screened on ITV1 later in the autumn.
The fund, a charity that aims to spread the Pride of Britain spirit, was set up to help charities and community organisations across the UK.
It has already given grants to more than 100 groups across the nation. The Pride of Britain team will create a shortlist, but the final decision will rest with local communities all over the country, so you will be able to vote on who gets the funding in your area.
To apply, scan the QR code and complete the online form or go to reachforms.co.uk/POB to access the form.