Exmouth former Deputy Mayor Steve Gazzard has been honoured during Volunteers Week by lung health charity Asthma + Lung UK, in recognition of his incredible support and fundraising efforts for people living with lung conditions.
Steve received the Asthma + Lung UK Champion for Lung Health Award at the charity’s annual volunteer conference [on 4th June], for over a decade of dedicated fundraising in his local community. Since he started his fundraising mission, Steve has raised an incredible total of over £34,000 for the fight for better lung health.
Steve began supporting Asthma + Lung UK in memory of his daughter, Sarah, who died from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in 2012. Since then, he has coordinated numerous community fundraising events for the leading lung health charity every year. This year is no exception. Steve has organised a sponsored swim, a quiz night and a number of other community events throughout the year, raising £3,000.
Becca Dean, Community Fundraising Manager at Asthma + Lung UK, said: “Steve has been a dedicated supporter and fundraiser for Asthma + Lung UK for many years. His courage and dedication are an inspiration to everyone lucky enough to spend time with him. Donations are absolutely vital for us continue to support people with lung conditions and fight for better lung health for everyone. Steve’s fundraising efforts are such an incredible achievement and will have helped so many people over the years. We really can’t thank him enough, but this award is our way of showing our appreciation – it’s so well-deserved. Thank you Steve!”
Steve said: “It was a lovely surprise to receive this award. I would like to dedicate it to late daughter Sarah and my wonderful band of supporters who help me raise money at these events.”
1 in 5 people in the UK will get a lung condition in their lifetime. Donations to Asthma + Lung UK fund life-changing research to find treatments for lung disease, help people with lung conditions access support and advice, and drive campaign activity to advocate for clean air and make lung health a priority to ensure everyone has access to high quality care.
The Volunteer Awards at Asthma + Lung are a way to recognise the contributions of the exceptional volunteers who have demonstrated outstanding commitment, dedication and creativity, in serving and engaging their communities in the past year. It’s an opportunity to celebrate their remarkable achievements and express gratitude for their selfless efforts in improving the lives of people living with lung conditions across the country.
Volunteers are a vital to the work Asthma + Lung UK does to support the millions of people in the UK living with lung disease. To find out more about the ways you could get involved and join the fight for lung health, visit: Volunteer with us | Asthma + Lung UK.
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