A Brentwood fundraiser has received a national award in recognition of her contribution to Cancer Research UK’s work.

Jo Pearmain, 80, from Hutton, was named the charity’s Honorary Fellow to celebrate her loyalty and dedication to the charity for 34 years.

She was recognised at the charity’s annual Flame of Hope Awards, which acknowledges efforts in fundraising and volunteering, at a special ceremony in London.

Jo joined local group, Ingatestone, Shenfield and Hutton Friends, in 1977 after she lost her mum to cancer.

During her time with the group, she has helped them raise over �200,000.

The charity said over the 34 years, Jo has been a valued member of the committee and is often leading from the front when it comes to the groups fundraising events.

The group is now known as Brentwood and Shenfield Friends and Jo still attends committee meetings and events.

Jo said: “I’m very pleased and honoured to receive this award. I started fundraising for the charity as I lost my mother to cancer and also a good friend. I wanted to be able to make a difference and hopefully what I’ve achieved has done some good.

“Over the last 34 years I’ve also built up some lovely friendships with other people who wanted to support Cancer Research UK.”

Darren Couchman, Cancer Research UK’s area volunteer manager for North Essex, said: “These awards are our way of saying thanks to people like Jo who are the lifeblood of our organisation – people who give their time freely to raise money for research and promote greater awareness of the disease, and yet ask for nothing in return.

“We salute our supporters everywhere because together we will beat cancer.”