TWO decades after Bromsgrove sports coach, Gill Punt embarked on her first marathon in support of Cancer Research UK (CRUK), she has received a national charity award and has helped raise over £1 million for the cause.
Gill, 52, was given the Honorary Fellow award in appreciation of her exceptional loyalty and dedication.
She picked up the Flame of Hope Award this week on March, 29 at a ceremony in Manchester presented by CRUK director of fundraising, Simon Ledsham.
After losing her father to cancer in 1999, Gill has shown a continued commitment to CRUK, running 21 marathons and 30 half marathons all in support of the charity.
Gill, who is a games coach at Bromsgrove School took on her first London Marathon after her father fell ill and has vowed to carry on fundraising in his name since his death.
She made the Guinness Book of Records at the London Marathon in 2016 for the fastest marathon in a full-bodied costume, dressed as a polar bear.
In 2019 Gill received the British Empire Medal for her fundraising feats, and reached the fundraising total of £1 million in 2022.
Gill said: “I am delighted and honoured to receive the award from CRUK. It is a huge privilege and one my late father would have been very proud of.
“Sadly, there is probably not a family in the country that has not been touched by cancer, so I will continue with the fundraising endeavours – on to the next million.”
In March this year Gill completed the Tokyo marathon, raising a further £16,000 for CRUK bringing her fundraising total to £1.3 million. She aims to run the London and Berlin marathons later this year.
Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, Michelle Mitchell, said: “These awards give us the opportunity to celebrate and say thank you to those who have made outstanding contributions, and we’re proud to have presented almost 2,000 awards since “the first ceremony back in 2003.”
Gill is one of 140 individuals and groups being recognised at various Flame of Hope Award ceremonies across the UK.
CRUK spokesperson for Worcestershire, Jane Redman, said: “Time volunteered is not ordinary time. It’s time infused with passion, drive and determination. It’s time honouring lost family members and friends. Or extra time gained thanks to “advances in research.
“Every step we make towards beating cancer relies on every pound, every hour and every person.
“That’s why, after volunteer numbers dropped significantly due to the pandemic, we’re encouraging people to get involved and start their journey to a potential Flame of Hope Award now.”
Gill added: “Hopefully, my story will help inspire others to find, and then embark on, innovative volunteering adventures to improve our communities.
By raising funds and awareness to support CRUK I feel I am playing my part to bring forward the “day when everyone lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer. I would like to thank everyone who has supported me over the years and hope we will reach the ultimate finish line soon – a world without cancer.”
