A CHARITY fundraiser from Delamere has been honoured for his voluntary work by the Queen and Prime Minister.

Fundraising hero Andrew Bell, who was diagnosed with severe hearing loss as a child, has dedicated his life to charity, raising more than £7,000 for Help for Heroes through table top sales and collections at Delamere Forest.

Andrew, who is currently studying for a masters degree in public health nutrition at the University of Chester, was delighted to receive two congratulatory letters from the country’s leaders in recognition of his voluntary work.

“It was fantastic to receive letters from both the Queen and Prime Minister,” said the 25-year-old.

“The University of Chester has also asked me to be included in their annual review brochure due to the amount of volunteering work and fundraising I did over the past year.

“Naturally it is very rewarding to see my fundraising being appreciated by people and also to be recognised for doing something that I love.”

Andrew, a proud supporter of the armed forces, made it his 2012 resolution to raise as much money as possible for Help for Heroes and although the project has now finished, he hopes to continue supporting the charity.

“This success has given me motivation to do more projects over the next year,” he said.

“I am hoping to do some small fundraising projects where the money will be split between Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion as I am very keen to do some fundraising work for them as I’m a member.”

He added: “I would like to thank everyone for being so supportive during the last year, particularly the local businesses such as Delamere Stores, Delamere Cafe, The Hollies, Easylife, Blakemere Craft Centre and many more people who gave me items and words of support.”

Andrew also thanked the Forestry Commision for providing him with a venue for his fundraising and Don Wilson and Sophie Hughes, who helped him to set up his stall each weekend.

“I would also like to thank my Mum and Dad for being heroes and my best friend and fellow fundraiser Alex Staniforth who has been a key motivator to me throughout 2012.”

Andrew is still accepting donations at bmycharity.com/andrews2012resolution