A CHARITY fundraiser has received hundreds of nominations including from his MP and MS to receive a Pride of Britain award.

Richard Kendrick, who organises fundraising activities for the Royal British Legion (RBL) as well as children’s and emergency services charities, has been put forward for community hero and fundraiser of the year for this year’s awards, which celebrate unsung heroes and extraordinary acts of kindness.

Mr Kendrick, from Prestatyn, has raised more than £70,000 during the pandemic, which have contributed to RBL services for Armed Forces families, as well as tablets for Glan Clwyd Hospital patients to keep in touch with their families during visiting restrictions, confectionery for key workers, PPE and funeral costs.

“It means a lot that people think that highly of me,” said Mr Kendrick. “You don’t expect it, but it is nice to get a thank you.

“To get any further would be fantastic for the town. To get into the last four would help to put Rhyl on the map.

“It would make my life easier as when people recognise your name it is easier to raise money, as they know it will go towards a good cause.”

Judges for the Pride of Britain Awards, which are by the Daily Mirror, Lidl, ITV, Good Morning Britain and The Prince's Trust, will review the work of nominees and talk with people who have nominated them to find out why they have been put forward.

A final four are then selected for each category and receive national media coverage, before the final judging panel decides who they believe deserves to be named the winner.

Mr Kendrick’s nomination campaign has already received the backing of Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies and Vale of Clwyd MS Gareth Davies, as well as Rhyl county councillor Brian Jones.

Dr Davies said: “Over the past 6 years, I have been aware of Richard’s tireless fundraising efforts for the local area. Richard first made contact with me in his voluntary role of Poppy Appeal co-ordinator, when I was elected as Member of Parliament to represent the Vale of Clwyd. Richard is still continuing his work with the Poppy Appeal and has an excellent track record of fundraising.

“Throughout the pandemic, when some fundraisers paused their activities, Richard used his initiative to alter his fundraising techniques and continued to support a number of important local causes.

“I believe Richard is an extremely worthy and inspirational nominee, whose work epitomises the attributes of the Fundraiser of the Year category.”

A Facebook page has also been set up by Prestatyn resident Nicky Bedward has attracted hundreds of nominations from members of the public.

“Richard works tirelessly, in his own time, to raise money for several charities he feels passionately about,” the page says.

“Asked why he is so passionate about his charity work, Richard reflected on knowing several families that had serving military that never came home, or families that had their lives changed through cancer.

“Richard has a reputation of getting the job done successfully and over the years working with some wonderful people."

Anyone wishing to make a nomination can visit www.prideofbritain.com/nominate. Nominations close on August 13.