Rotherham MP urges government to replace fundraising hero's MBE medal after devastating house fire
An MP is bidding to help a a charity stalwart get back on her feet after a house fire
A Rotherham MP has urged the government to replace a fundraising hero’s MBE medal after a devastating blaze.
Jake Richards, MP for Rother Valley, has written to the Cabinet Office asking for a new medal for Sandra Blockley MBE, aged 82, who has raised more than £1m for cancer and dementia charities.
Sandra lost her possessions when a shed fire spread to her home in Thurcroft.
Jake Richards said it was “imperative” Sandra got a replacement MBE and he had written to minister Nick Thomas-Symonds, to offer his support in arranging it.
He added: “Sandra is a real local champion and a proud representative of Thurcroft and I wish her and her family all the best as she begins to rebuild following this tragic event.”
An appeal to raise £500 to buy clothing and essentials has raised more than £7,000 to help her in her hour of need.
Mrs Blockley started fundraising following the death of her daughter, Lorraine, who had cervical cancer, and nursing husband Charlie through dementia.
She set up a charity shop named after her daughter on Green Arbour Road in her home village.
In 2006 Sandra was awarded an MBE in recognition of her voluntary work and fundraising. She was presented with the Unpaid Carers Award at the national finals of the Great British Care Awards 2021, and in 2022 she was named 'Fundraiser of the Year' at the Pride of Britain ceremony, for her 38 years of service, before pledging to keep fighting for people living with dementia.