AS GERALDINE Corrigan spoke on the honour of being named Charity Champion of the Year, she held a photo of her dear friend, Jim Gamble.

When Geraldine's sister-in-law passed away 18 years ago, it was Jim who approached her about taking up a street collection for Friends of the Cancer Centre.

As the years went on, Geraldine's involvement in the local charity grew, and she was eventually appointed Chair in 2014.

Sadly, Jim passed away two years ago, but she has never forgotten the impact that he had on her. She dedicated her Charity Champion title to him.

"This is Jim Gamble, who was my window cleaner," she said, gesturing toward the photo. "He had been working for Friends of the Cancer Centre as a volunteer for 20 years when I first met him.

"When my sister-in-law passed away to cancer, 18 years ago, Jim came to me and asked if I would take up a street collection.

"He passed away two years ago. He was the most sincere person. He would have went anywhere to better the cause of the Friends of the Cancer Centre, and it’s a privilege to have worked with him."

Geraldine added that she didn't expect to win the category, let alone be nominated, and she paid tribute to her colleagues for all their hard work and support.

"I'm so proud of the team we have in Fermanagh representing Friends of the Cancer Centre," she said.

“They are the best. We have made such good friends; we are from across the community, and we have been to churches, chapels, Orange Halls and GAA pitches, all in the name of the charity.

"It's a privilege to be the chairperson, but I couldn't do it without the team."

Expressing his congratulations, the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor John McClaughry, UUP, said: “The amount of work that has gone into this by Geraldine and her team for this charity is amazing.

"Geraldine, while she is being modest, has been a great advocate for this, and she has went anywhere and everywhere to get money.

"She is totally deserving of this award. This is a recognition of the work that Geraldine has put in over the last 18 years."