Mike Crawshaw Award for Charity Work.

Nominated by: Our people

Shortlisted by: An independent panel of 'our people'

Selected by: Our people

An award for someone who makes a difference to other people's lives and in the last 12 months

• Has organised fundraising events for charity (no specified number)
• Has raised money for charity (no specified sum)
• Has given their own time to a charitable organisation

Introduced in 2015

Mike Crawshaw - written by Paul Hayden

My very good friend and absolute talisman. Quite simply Mr Sports & Social. He inspired me to want to attempt to emulate what he did and provide opportunities for people to get together and enjoy life.

He served as Secretary for over 30 years and used to single handedly produce a monthly magazine that is legendary called Landrover.

He spent all his work life at Gloucester before retiring to the sun in Portugal where many of us have visited him.

He was highly regarded and respected by all, particularly John Manthorpe who awarded him the Manthorpe Trophy when he introduced it. Saying that was the standard it was supposed to recognise - a high bar that nobody has got close to.

When he retired, he personally asked me to consider running for 'his position' as secretary. I was honoured to step in to those shoes which were and will always remain way too big to fill.

A legendary example and inspiration to everyone who steps up to LR Leisure.

Shortlisted nominees:

Angharad Davies (Swansea)

• Over the past year, Angharad has organised and completed numerous fundraising events for office charities.
• Completed extraordinary challenges including skydiving and climbing Pen y Fan (highest mountain in South Wales) 8 times in 24 hours.
• Raised over £2,000 for worthy community causes through these personal challenges.
• Known for being kind, brave, and always ready to help others.
• Inspires and motivates those around her with positivity, enthusiasm, and determination.
• Upcoming challenge includes the Gower Bike Ride, continuing her commitment to charitable work.
• Seen as a role model and ambassador for charity, demonstrating selflessness and passion.
• Her energy and dedication make her highly deserving of the Mike Crawshaw Award.

Christian Graham (Telford)

• Completed his first marathon (Manchester Marathon) in 4 hours 58 minutes - an impressive achievement.
• Ran to raise funds for two charities:
• Shropshire Street Cats, a volunteer-run charity rescuing and rehoming cats; Christian has three cats from them and also volunteers for the charity.
• Georgia Williams Trust, supporting young people through adventure, volunteering, and safeguarding awareness; a charity close to Christian's heart due to a personal connection.
• Has raised £820 so far, to be split equally between the two charities.

Mike Ruse (Plymouth)

• Nominated for his charity work supporting St Luke's hospice in memory of colleagues Steph Spamer and Darren Coy.
• Organised an office-wide charity football tournament that was inclusive and engaging for players of all abilities and schedules.
• Event attracted over 100 participants and supporters, creating a strong community spirit.
• Raised a total of over £1,800 (including raffle ticket sales, collections, and gift aid) for St Luke's patient care.
• The funds raised support care for patients and families at home during critical times.
• Mike provided emotional support to Steph's family during her battle with cancer, showing deep personal commitment.
• The event celebrated the memory of Steph and Darren while doing something impactful for the local community.
• Mike's humility about his contribution makes this recognition through the Mike Crawshaw Award well deserved.

Rachel Nash (Gloucester)

• Has spent 15 years raising money for various charities, primarily through running.
• This year participated in multiple events supporting charities with personal significance:
• London Landmarks runs for Cancer Research and Alzheimer's.
• Gloucester Race for Life for Cancer Research.
• Her passion for charity work began volunteering at Milestone School in Gloucester, supporting children with special needs.
• Focuses on cancer charities because of its impact on her family and herself.
• Uses her love of running as a way to fight against cancer and support those affected.

Sian Harris-Williams (Swansea)

• Has been the voluntary treasurer for Morriston Hospital League of Friends since 2002.
• The League of Friends raises funds to support Morriston Hospital, which serves Swansea and all of Wales with specialised care.
• Over her tenure, Sian has helped raise over £5 million for the hospital.
• Key organiser of the annual golf tournament, aiming to raise £60,000 in 2025 for lung cancer treatment equipment.
• Organises annual Christmas and summer craft fairs, with significant stall sign-ups already for Christmas 2025.
• Personally wrapped over 200 presents for hospital patients during the 2024 Christmas season, purchasing and paying for all wrapping paper.
• Past fundraising efforts have included:
• £10,000 for improved oxygen masks
• £10,000 for a new bladder scanner.
• £20,700 for Wales' first 3D scanner.
• Supports patients and visitors by enhancing Relatives Accommodation facilities and resources.
• Recognised as a tireless charity worker over 25 years, making her a very deserving award recipient.

*** WINNER 2025 Mike Ruse (Plymouth) ***

Previous recipients of the Mike Crawshaw Award for Charity Work:

• 2024 - Danielle Lloyd (Fylde)
• 2023 - Natasha (Tash) Scott (Peterborough)
• 2022 - Hannah Cummings (Croydon)
• 2021 - Harmeet Kaur Liddar (Coventry)
• 2020 - Eleanor Cuthill (Swansea)
• 2019 - Kathy Barnes (Coventry)