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One of the founders of the Children with Cancer Fund (CWCF) has been chosen as the winner of the Heart FM ‘Most Deserving Awards’ in conjunction with Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club.
Together with members of her family, Ursula Downton set up the CWCF in 1998. After having been involved with hospital radio, Ursula and her family were keen to have a project of their own. Besides her charity work, Ursula works full time as a teaching assistant and is a mother to three children, aged 14, 13 and 10.
As well as organising holidays, trips and fundraising events to grant the wishes of children undergoing treatment, Ursula and the team organise fun events for families to get them together and help them share their experiences and offer each other support.
Ashdown Park Country Club and Heart FM held their ‘Most Deserving Awards’ competition throughout December to find someone with “a heart of gold who has made a significant difference to their local community”.
Sarah Smith, whose young daughter Maisie was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, nominated Ursula for the award. She said: “Quite simply, Ursula’s efforts changed our lives.”
Ursula remarked of her win: “I had no idea that I had even been nominated until Heart FM phoned to tell me that I had won. Winning the award was a fantastic surprise; it’s a great honour and fantastic recognition for the Fund.”
As part of her victory, Ursula receives a year’s Gold membership for two to the Ashdown Park Country Club. This will allow Ursula use of the club’s gym, spa, indoor swimming pool, golf course and tennis courts, as well as hotel benefits, such as food and drink discounts.
General manager of Ashdown Park Ben Booker said: “We were really inspired by Ursula’s story and the dedication she has shown in helping children with cancer and their families. She truly was the most deserving winner of our award and we hope she enjoys using the facilities at the Country Club in her well-earned spare time.”
Image: Ben Booker with Ursula Downton.
