THE energy and commitment of a Taunton Christian Aid supporter who has spent more than 35 years raising awareness of global poverty issues and funds to tackle it has been recognised with a national award.

Maralyn Bickham, a member of Taunton URC Church, was presented with a Diamond Award by Christian Aid regional coordinator Dan Doherty at a celebration lunch at the church on Thursday (April 27).

The Diamond Awards were created by Christian Aid to recognise the crucial part played by its supporters as it prepares to mark 60 years of its annual fundraising drive, Christian Aid Week.

The international aid and development charity was born in the aftermath of the Second World War in response to the suffering of refugees scattered across Europe, and next month Christian Aid Week (May 14 to 20) will be appealing once again to the public to help it support those people forced from their homes by conflict and crisis.

Taunton’s Christian Aid Group has collectively raised over £670,000 for Christian Aid since 1987 and this year a new community sponsored walk will be held for the first time.

Starting at 2pm on Sunday May 14th at Taunton Racecourse, people are invited to join in and set their own challenge of walking or running as many laps of the 2k route as they wish to raise money for communities living in poverty.

Maralyn said: “My involvement with Christian Aid was triggered initially by my mother who always made sure I understood how lucky I was and how others were less fortunate.

"Later I have been driven by a sense that we can and should be doing more for others who are in need.

“It simply shouldn’t be me receiving this, it really has been due to having an incredible team of people over the years.

“Everything I have done with Christian Aid has been positive, and what I find so encouraging is the way in which Christian Aid does not send lots of its staff around the world but that they partner with locals and really get the money to the right people.

“I would encourage everyone to join in our new sponsored walk, it would be fantastic to see Taunton come out in support of those trapped in poverty and really make a difference.”

Taunton United Reformed Church's the Rev Dr Susan Durber, who nominated Maralyn for the award, said: “Maralyn is a tireless campaigner and fundraiser for Christian Aid.

"Since she moved to Taunton in the early 1980s she has been at the centre of Christian Aid events, both within the URC here and in the wider town.

“She has been willing to try anything and has been tenacious and indefatigable in speaking up for Christian Aid; in advertising and planning events, in street collecting, in thinking of new ways to fundraise, in hosting speakers and challenging everyone she can to do what is needed to end poverty. She really is a diamond!”

Dan Doherty said: “Right now Christian Aid is tackling poverty in 39 countries around the world, including providing support to refugees and food and water to those on the brink of starvation across East Africa where the lives of 16 million people hang in the balance.

“It is no exaggeration to say that it is thanks to the dedication and vision of supporters like Maralyn that we are able to not only reach these people in desperate need but also challenge the causes of poverty and empower people to lift themselves out of poverty at the same time.

“Our supporters’ commitment changes lives and it is a privilege to recognise Maralyn’s contribution towards a world where people not only survive, but are given the opportunity to thrive.”