Shropshire couple praised for charity work after tragedy

Ashley Brown receives the Telent Charity Shield from Paul Waterhouse (left) and Chris Metcalfe of Telent. Ashley is pictured with his wife Gemma, three-year-old son Matthew and week old baby Jason.

A Bridgnorth firefighter who “worked tirelessly” with his wife to raise £35,000 for charity after the death of their toddler son has won a top award.

Ashley and Gemma Brown raised the money for Asthma UK after their two-year-old son Cameron tragically died from the illness.

The couple aimed to raise £25,000 for the national charity with the launch of Cameron’s Fund but beat their target due to “their complete dedication” to the cause and positive response after their personal loss, said Chris Metcalfe, of Telent.

Ashley yesterday received the Telent Charity Shield at the Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service’s annual awards for their outstanding contribution to charity.

“There is no doubt that Ashley is a worthy recipient of this award.”

The Bridgnorth fire station Crew Manager and his wife organised car washes, Summer Balls, race nights, sponsored walks and many other fund raising activities.

“Even with all his hard work fundraising for Asthma UK, Ashley still finds time
to support The Firefighters Charity,” said Mr Metcalfe.

Ashley, who is the Bridgnorth fire station representative for the national Firefighters Charity, raised £1,682 with a recent car wash in which he processed donations and organised other fund raising events at the fire station.

Each year he arranges car washes, finds willing volunteers, gets publicity and sources additional sponsorship from businesses.

17th May, 2012

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