Our Davy named ‘Volunteer of the Year’

COLERAINE’s Caring Caretaker has picked up another award, and he’s dedicated it to the people of the Coleraine area, who support him every year in his charity exploits.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Jun 2013, 08:00 BST

Davy Boyle has been named as the Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke’s Volunteer of the Year.

The Bryan Walliker award acknowledges volunteer fundraisers or groups throughout Northern Ireland who have made an outstanding contribution.

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Davy has raised over £44,000 for Chest, Heart and Stroke since 2009.

The local charity is one he’ll be supporting alongside nine others this year.

Last Friday, Davy and his wife Teresa travelled to Belfast Castle to attend the Institute of Fundraising Awards.

Davy was presented with his award by television personalities Pamela Ballantine and Linda Bryans.

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Speaking to The Times last week, Davy said he was thrilled to even attend the awards, never mind winning.

“I was delighted to have been nominated for the award by Chest, Heart and Stroke,” said Davy in and interview with The Coleraine Times.

“My award was the very last to be presented, so I had myself convinced that I hadn’t won.

“And to be honest I was humbled just to be sitting in the hall amongst so many great charities, many whom I had helped down through the years.

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“They then read my name out as the overall winner. I couldn’t believe it.

“It was very emotion for me and my wife Teresa, and I am delighted.”

Davy paid tribute to his wife Teresa and to the public who support him every year.

“I can’t thank the people who help me year after year. Without their support I wouldn’t be getting awards like this one.

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The award was the start of a great week for Davy. He reached the £400,000 milestone in his fundraising efforts.

“I am so thrilled that since 2002 I have now raised £400,000, and there’s more to come,” joked Davy.

“I held another very successful ‘Jail and Bail’ last week. The weather wasn’t good, but the craic made up for that.”

This year, Davy’s chosen charities are Charlene’s Project, The Wheat Foundation, Defibrillator at the Heart of Every Game, The Blind Centre, Cancer Focus NI, Marie Curie, Children to Lapland Trust, Community Rescue Service, Chest, Heart and Stroke and Sandelford School.

Related topics:Davy BoyleColeraineStrokeNorthern Ireland