Vote for fundraiser of the year at the Moray and Banffshire Heroes Awards
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
VOTING has opened in the Moray and Banffshire Heroes awards.
There are 12 categories and the winners will be revealed on Thursday, April 20 at Brodie Countryfare.
A special Hero of Heroes will also be announced on the night.
You have until March 26 to cast your vote.
From 9am on Tuesday, March 7 you can go to www.hnmedia.co.uk/morayheroes/ to support your favourite.
The nominees for the fundraiser of the year category are liver charity advocate Audrey Cameron, Buckie baby bank operator Ashleigh Mair and Keith community stalwart Rhona Patterson.
Audrey Cameron helped set up the Lina Liver charity support group which provides buddies to other folk who have undergone transplants.
The charity has been a huge success, starting with two buddies and growing to a 10-strong network that supports people from Stonehaven to Buckie.
A nomination for Audrey said: "Audrey has organised and participated in several galas and fundraisers in 2022 despite liver failure.
"Audrey is a hero helping others as a buddy despite being very unwell."
The charity has raised around £6000 a year since it started.
Audrey felt humbled to be shortlisted:
"I was very surprised.
"I never thought anybody would nominate me for that.
"It's part of my daily life to help people and to want people to get the best they can."
When Buckie shop owners Ashleigh Hepburn Mair saw the impact the cost-of-living crisis was having on families in her community she knew she had to help.
Ashleigh, who runs TooCute childrenswear in the town, decided to set up a baby hub at the shop, where folk can get pre-loved baby essentials.
The baby hub has only been running for a few months but it has become invaluable to families in Buckie struggling with the rising costs of living.
"I noticed how tough things were.
"Having the baby shop I thought: 'How can I do something to help?'
"So I started collecting folk's pre-loved baby items, mainly clothing but we also deal with prams, high chairs – everything baby related really.
"I set up a Facebook page a few months ago and it took off from there.
"Folk immediately started handing in donations, liking and sharing the page.
"I was in a position to help a wee bit so I went for it.
"It's been really positive but it is sad that folk are in that position were they have to use baby banks."
"I'm just shocked and delighted! Chuffed to bits.
"I didn't expect it at all."
A nomination said: "Despite being busy bringin up her children and running a busy shop, she spends many hours everyday fundraising and pleading for donations for her baby hub.
"Every year she raises thousands of pounds for Moray charities: she does raffles, bingo, money squares and holds a Ladies' Day.
"Ashleigh deserves to be nominated for her tireless fundraising."
hona Patterson's dedication to the Keith and Strathisla community over the years has been impressive.
A nomination said: "Rhona really goes above and beyond and there aren't many people in Keith that haven't benefitted from her help.
"Rhona has changed lives without even knowing. She is amazing."
Despite having a full-time role as owner and editor of Lifestyle magazine, Rhona dedicates much of any spare time.
From helping run Longmore Community Hall, being a member of the Keith Show committee and the Newmill Christmas lights committee, to chairing Newmill Community Association.
She is also chair of Keith and Strathisla Regeneration Parternship, running inKeith to help support local businesses and organisations.
She said: "It's good to do things that are going to have a long-term effect.
"Most of what's been done will have long-term benefits for the community.
"There's much more deserving than me. I just help out any group that I can."
