A FUNDRAISER who set up the Redditch and Alcester branch of Leukaemia Research and has raised more than £500,000 for the charity has been awarded an MBE.

Tony Caldwell, a former manager of the Natwest Bank in Redditch, found out about his award last month.

Mr Caldwell, who is now retired and lives in Evesham, has been working tirelessly for the charity since 1976 when his son Simon was diagnosed with the disease at the age of three.

Simon died a few years later but Tony's drive and enthusiasm in raising money and organising events has kept him active for 30 years.

And his events have taken him on several adventures, including trekking Offa's Dyke, running the London Marathon, climbing Ben Nevis, Snowdonia and Scafell Pike for the Three Peaks Challenge and even journeys to the Himalayas.

On a recent fundraising tour, he took a rare trip inside the ancient Last Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang, which borders China and Tibet.

"It is a real honour and a big surprise to receive an MBE," said Mr Caldwell.

"But all my fundraising is inspired by my precious memories of Simon and I dedicate my award to him, with the hope that my efforts will continue to make a difference for those fighting blood cancers."

Leukaemia Research chief executive Douglas Osborne said: "We are absolutely delighted that Tony's hard work and incredible dedication has been rewarded in this way.

"Without people like Tony supporting us, our research programme wouldn't exist - he is truly a life-saver."

And still an active member of the Alcester Singers with many friends in the area, Tony is continuing his work through giving charity talks on his adventures, complete with photographs, music and amusing anecdotes.

Tony's next talk in the area will be with the Redditch Society at Trinity High School at the beginning of next year.