A WELLINGTON charity founder is one of two Somerset heroes honoured with a fundraising award.

Naomi Thomas, from Wellington, and Ben Thomas, from Portishead, were named by ITV as part of the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain awards as Fundraisers of the Year.

Mrs Thomas, who founded charity the Wedding Wishing Well, was given the West Country award, and Mr Smith, who set out to run a series of marathons to raise money for charities Stonewall and Kidscape, was given the West title.

The Wedding Wishing Well aims to provide weddings to couples where either bride or groom has a terminal illness. Mrs Thomas, who suffers with breast cancer, set up to charity to help others in her position.

Mrs Thomas said: “I am thrilled and in total shock that I have won this amazing award.

“I couldn’t do what I do without the brilliant team I have supporting me.

“I am really looking forward to going to London on October 31 for the final and hope that we can come away with at least a celebrity patron.”

Mr Smith started the 401 challenge to see if he could run 401 marathons in 401 days.

His successful runs raised £250,000 for the two anti-bullying charities.

Ben Smith said: “I am incredibly proud of what myself and The 401 Team have been able to create and share with thousands of people throughout the UK and around the world.”

They will get their awards in London at a ceremony on October 31, where they face other fundraisers.

“Winning the Regional POB Fundraiser of the Year award is the icing on the cake and we can’t thank everyone enough for their help and support in getting us to this point.”

They will now be heading to the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards in London where they will go up against fundraisers from across the whole of ITV.

The ceremony will take place on October 31 and will be broadcast on ITV on Tuesday November 1.