Spixworth man named fundraiser of the year

A man who has helped raise more than �48,000 for charity since the death of his daughter at just 15 days old has been crowned one of insurance giant Aviva's unsung heroes.

Paul Rowlands, 40, who works for Aviva in Norwich and lives in Chestnut Avenue, Spixworth, was named the company's fundraiser of the year 2010 in recognition of his achievements since Alice's death in 2007.

Alice Rowlands was born six weeks early and with a rare liver condition, neonatal hemochromatosis, at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital in September 2007.

After just five days she was moved to King's College Hospital in London where she died. After her death, parents Miranda and Paul set up the Alice Rowlands Memorial Society (ARMS) to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities, which provides accommodation for families whose loved ones are in hospital miles from home.

To date the family have raised almost �50,000 for RMHC – a phenomenal achievement which has not only been recognised by the charity itself, but now by colleagues at Mr Rowlands' work who have described his achievements as an 'inspiration'.

Mr Rowlands said: 'I'm really, really proud its recognition of not just me, but the whole family and all the work we've done.'

Mr Rowlands and the other winners – Andrew McGill, volunteer of the year (Norwich), Roy Blowers, conservationist of the year (Norwich) and courageous person of the year, Jane Bugg (York) – received �1,000 for a charity of their choice, a trophy and certificate.

Are you raising money for a good cause? Call reporter Peter Walsh on 01603 772436 or email peter.walsh@archant.co.uk