Ian Lane, 57, is a volunteer at our retail shop in Barnsley (B58) and is also a dedicated fundraiser. Over the past five years, he’s raised thousands of pounds for our lifesaving research.
To commemorate his fantastic volunteering efforts, we’re excited to share that Ian has been nominated for a ‘Proud of Barnsley’ award, which aims to “honour the unsung people living in our communities”.
“Ian is very well-respected member of the team, and we don’t know what we’d do without him. Well done Ian”, says Joanne Smith, Shop Manager.
Since 2018, Ian has picked up his collection bucket three days a week, fundraising around £50 each week, which has amounted to thousands of pounds over the past five years.
He told the Barnsley Chronicle: “I do three days of collecting for the BHF every week and then on the other days I do some litter picking. I’m always out in the community.”
“I go out with my bucket and shout ‘British Heart Foundation’ and I’ve always got people coming up to donate. I think it’s because they see me out there a lot. I love doing it, I enjoy it so much.”
Ian was nominated by Joy Field, a close friend, who has known him for the past 20 years.
Her nomination said: “Ian has been raising money for local causes in Barnsley over the 20 years or so that I have known him, by way of taking part in sponsored walks, or standing in the open with a collection tin in all weathers. He is a credit to his community because he also regularly litter picks to improve the surroundings for all.”
Ian has been nominated for other awards previously, but he admits his nomination in this year’s Proud of Barnsley awards was a special moment for him.
“This one definitely feels special”, says Ian.
Congratulations Ian on your nomination!