A MUCH-LOVED Evesham charity was honoured for its work supporting blood cancer patients with a commendation at the prestigious Anthony Nolan Supporter Awards (ANSAs).
The Tracy Sollis Leukaemia Trust was handed the honour at the ceremony held at the Tower of London on November 22 and founder Sue Sollis joined guests for canapes and a drinks reception at the event, which was hosted by author and TV presenter Lucy Siegle
The ANSAs are held annually to celebrate, recognise and thank the outstanding supporters who keep the pioneering blood cancer charity moving forward. Those commended were chosen by a panel of judges from Anthony Nolan, chaired by the charity’s Chief Executive Henny Braund.
In 1998, Sue set up The Tracy Sollis Leukaemia Trust in memory of her daughter Tracy, who died from leukaemia in 1995, to help fund research into finding a cure for leukaemia.
Over the past twenty years the charity has donated and funded essential equipment for the Anthony Nolan Research Institute. Additionally, Sue raises awareness of Anthony Nolan by giving talks and seminars to the public and at her local school, she also opened two charity shops in Evesham’s Library Arcade and organises an annual charity concert which takes place in aid of the Trust.
“It’s a great honour to be associated with a life-saving organisation. Tracy’s transplant didn’t work out, but she was always concerned about the other children in the hospital finding their match,” Sue said.
“Whenever there was a campaign to find a donor Tracy made it very clear it wasn’t just her, there were others that needed a transplant. Her wish was that we could do something to help others, so it is great to be recognised, her life wasn’t in vain.”
Mrs Braund said: ‘The Tracy Sollis Leukaemia Trust is a hugely deserving recipient of this commendation and we were incredibly proud to celebrate them with other winners and nominees at this year’s Anthony Nolan Supporter Awards.
“Between them they have raised vital funds, recruited the lifesavers of the future, shared stories to generate awareness, campaigned for change in Parliament and volunteered countless hours to make it all happen.”
Visit www.anthonynolan.org/awards for more.
