The Institute of Fundraising National Awards is the only independent award scheme in the country created for fundraisers by fundraisers. In 2008 the awards received an impressive 180 nominations, and the winners were announced at a ceremony in July attended by more than 750 fundraising professionals.

The nominees in the category of Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year for 2008 were:

• Elizabeth Haycock
• Liam Fairhurst and
• Peter Chapman and Richard Raymond.

Read on for profiles of the nominees.

Elizabeth Haycock was the longest serving Marie Curie nurse in Northamptonshire, and was inspired to fundraise for Marie Curie Cancer Care through her first-hand experiences with the organisation. As well as taking part in the charity's own annual fundraising events like Daffodil Day, Elizabeth has organised a fundraising "Open House" event at her home for the past twenty years, and each year raises something in the region of £4,000.

In addition to being nominated for a National Award, Elizabeth was presented with a Fundraiser of the Year award by Marie Curie in November 2007, and was also selected as one of the Prime Minister's Everyday Heroes at a reception in Downing Street in July.

When asked if there was ever a time when she would consider giving up her fundraising event, Elizabeth joked: "Yes, every year, when I look at the washing up!" but went on to say that as long as there was sufficient interest in her event to make it worthwhile for the charity, she'd keep on opening her doors.

Read more about Elizabeth Haycock's inspirational fundraising on our "my fundraising" pages here.

Liam Fairhurst was inspired to start fundraising for CLIC Sargent after experiencing first-hand the work they undertake caring for children and young people suffering from cancer.

In 2006, a year after undergoing an operation and treatment to remove a tumour in his leg, and in memory of his friend, Jack Wilkinson, who he had met in hospital, Liam was inspired to swim a mile for the charity, with the aim of raising £1,000.

Less than two years later, Liam's still fundraising, having collected an amazing £280,000 to date.

An appearance on ITV's Million Pound Challenge and a fishing event sponsored by the F1 McClaren racing team are just two of the subsequent events the 13 year-old has undertaken to raise money for CLIC Sargent, and according to his mother, Sarah, he's now set his sights on breaking the £500,000 mark.

As well as an Institute of Fundraising National Award, Liam was nominated for a Diana award by his school, a Channel 5 "Kindest Kids" award and was another of the Prime Minister's six "Everyday Heroes" in July.

You can read more about Liam's amazing efforts on his own website: www.liamfairhurst.com, and there's a profile of his first fundraising event, liamsmile on our "my fundraising" pages here.

For the past ten years, Peter Chapman and Richard Raymond have been running a Christmas Tree recycling scheme in the Prestbury area of East Cheshire. The majority of their fundraising has been in aid of East Cheshire Hospice, for whom they've rasied over £100,000.

The scheme has become a real community effort, with around 160 helpers taking part in last year's activity, 3900 customers and 30 lorries shifting more than 63 tonnes of recycled tree - not bad for an idea that was originally conceived to lend a hand with the local church organ fund!

As well as being nominated for an Institute of Fundraising National Award, the pair have seen their efforts commended in the House of Commons by their local MP. However, when asked about the phenomenal success of their venture, they are quick to stress the importance of maintaining a personal touch and valuing the efforts of everyone who takes part.

You can read more about Peter and Richard's Tree Collection sheme (and see pictures) at www.echtrees.org, and read more about how the sheme is organised at their "my fundraising" page here.

Nominations for the 2009 Institute of Fundraising National Awards will open on 20 November 2008. For more information, visit www.nationalawards.org.uk

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