A FUNDRAISING ‘diamond’ has been rewarded for her dedication to supporting Christian Aid for almost 50 years.

Joan Gilmore started collecting for the charity in 1970 by going house to house and appealing to neighbours to support its annual fundraising collection.

Ten years later she took on the role of organiser for the Darlington Christian Aid Group, which she agreed to do for one year – she’s still involved today.

As the charity marks 60 years of its annual fundraising drive, Christian Aid Week, it is been rewarding volunteers for their efforts.

The Diamond Award winner, who is a member of St Cuthbert’s Church, Darlington, stepped down as group chairwoman a few years ago, but the group continues to work together and raise money.

The dedicated fundraiser now coordinates a team of volunteers to collect money each Christian Aid Week at Darlington train station and continues to share her passion for helping people with nothing. She said: “Working in this small way for Christian Aid allows me to meet like-minded people supporting a cause across the world that works with locally-organised projects where the need is greatest.”

Ms Gilmore was presented with her diamond award by the Chief Executive of Christian Aid, Loretta Minghella, at Durham Cathedral Deanery on Sunday.

Emma Peak, the charity’s regional coordinator for County Durham and Cleveland said: “Right now Christian Aid is tackling poverty in around 40 countries around the world, including providing support to refugees and food and water to those on the brink of starvation across East Africa where the lives of 16 million people hang in the balance.

“It is no exaggeration to say that it is thanks to the dedication and vision of supporters like Joan that we are able to respond and not only reach these people in desperate need but also challenge the causes of poverty at the same time.

“Their commitment changes lives and it is a privilege to recognise Joan’s faithful contribution towards a world where people not only survive, but thrive.”

Every May, thousands of supporters take to the streets – for door-to-door collections, bake sales, sponsored walks, abseils, among many other events – to raise vital money to help to support people around the world living in poverty.

Volunteers can help to change the lives of people fleeing conflict and crisis by donating online at www.caweek.org calling 08080 006 006, or texting ‘GIVE’ to 70040 to donate £5.