At an awards evening held at the Branston Golf & Country Club on Friday, June 6th, 2014, I received a ‘special award’ as part of the inaugural Touch FM Pride of Burton Awards. I attended the evening as one of three finalists in the category of ‘Pride of Burton’, but was instead presented with a surprise special award leading to a standing ovation from the 200+ assembled guests.

Presenting my award was Ben Day, the director of operations at Touch FM’s parent company - Quidem Midlands Ltd. Mr Day said: “Our final special award tonight goes to an individual who has turned a potentially devastating cancer diagnosis into a story of triumph. Despite undergoing gruelling treatment for leukaemia, she has thrown herself into raising both awareness and vital funds for charity. “Faced with the stark reality that only one in three who need a life- saving bone marrow transplant will find a match, she set about changing that figure – and as a result, the Anthony Nolan and the National Blood Service have seen a 15 per cent rise in potential donors across the Burton and South Derbyshire area. “She writes an online blog which is an inspiration to others at the same time as raising awareness for her cause. This lady is receiving on-going treatment - a full bone marrow transplant made possible by a mystery donor last October. Despite the gruelling battle she faces every day to overcome her disease, she is relentless in her efforts to offer support to others. In March, she worked closely with blood cancer charity fund-raisers BONE-shaker MARROW-thon to organise a fund-raising ride between Birmingham and Burton-on-Trent. “The event attracted over 100 motorbikes and trikes, despite inclement weather conditions, and was such a resounding success that riders have already signed up for next year. Ladies and gentlemen, for her courage and her tireless commitment to a cause close to the hearts of many, please welcome our third and final special award winner - Katherine Sinfield."