A WOMAN who has spent more than a quarter of a century fundraising for charity is stepping down from her role.

Sue Swales, who lives in Swinton, has been fundraising for the NSPCC since the early 1990s.

She has been chairman of district committees and branches in both North and West Yorkshire and in 2016 was recognised for her dedication and support by being named an Honorary NSPCC Council Member.

Sue said: “Seven years ago, we sadly lost our beloved daughter and I have struggled to understand how a parent can be so cruel when to us our daughter was a major part of our lives.

“I have never flagged in my determination to do all I can in support of the NSPCC; it is hard sometimes to hear about abuse and neglect.

“Without my husband though, I simply could not have devoted so much of my time and energy to a cause I feel so passionately about.”

Taking on the role of North East Yorkshire branch chairman in 2007, Sue, alongside other fundraisers, have organised different events from coffee mornings and antiques evenings to themed dinner dances.

Sue is most proud of the monthly Chatty Lunches, which the Malton Support Group started in 2007, raising more than £10,000 and have been adopted by other committees in Whitby, Scarborough and Helmsley.

She said: “Over the years you see the effect your efforts have for children, which is motivation enough, but you get to meet so many like-minded people from all walks of life; it was a chance make new friends who shared the same views.”

Sue hopes that as the foundation of fundraising committees gets older, that younger men and women will take up the torch.

She said: “I am all for a challenge such as jumping out of planes or running a marathon, but for me, I love the way the committee come together regularly, arranged a myriad of events, and in the process became dear friends.”

Elaine Kaye, community fundraising manager for Yorkshire and Humber, said: “Sue has embodied the dedication so many of our volunteers have, the passionate belief that we all have a responsibility to be there and do all we can for vulnerable children and their families. She has been an inspiration to everyone and we cannot thank her enough.”