Ada Haywood BEM – Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year nominee
Ada Haywood BEM – Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year nominee
Former potbank worker Ada Haywood BEM has raised around £1.5 million for charity during decades of fundraising.
The 74-year-old, who made clay handles at Steelite for 32 years, organises an annual Pink Tie Ball and until recently collected donations in supermarkets.
Ada, from Clayton, still gets up at 5.30am to attend business networking meetings to promote her charity work and her loyal supporters ensure tickets for her ball are usually sold out within days.
Her 22nd Pink Tie Ball, which will be held on September 19, is already completely sold out. She raises money for Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation.
In 2018 Ada was awarded the British Empire Medal and in 2022 she was a baton carrier for the Queen’s Baton Relay despite having a broken shoulder.
Cancer Research UK has named a room in its London HQ in honour of Ada and her late husband Peter, who had been determined that she should continue fundraising after his death.
Ada has been nominated in the Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards by Ben Halstead from the business Sempar.
He said: “Ada’s dedication to improving the lives of others has been both inspiring and impactful. Her commitment goes far beyond attendance or participation; she has consistently championed the causes, encouraged others to become involved and helped create an atmosphere of generosity and compassion that has significantly contributed to the event’s success.
“Ada understands the importance of investing in research, prevention and patient support. Her advocacy has helped shine a light on the lifesaving work carried out by Cancer Research and the British Heart Foundation, ensuring that these organisations can continue advancing medical breakthroughs and providing support to those who need it most.
“What sets Ada apart is her genuine passion for helping others. She leads by example, giving her time, energy and enthusiasm to every charitable endeavour she undertakes. Her ability to bring people together in support of worthy causes has inspired friends, colleagues and members of the wider community to contribute and make a difference.
“The success of the Pink Tie Ball is a testament to individuals like Ada, whose generosity and commitment transform fundraising events into meaningful opportunities for change. Her efforts have not only generated valuable financial support but have also fostered greater awareness, community engagement and hope for those affected by cancer and heart disease.
“Ada Haywood exemplifies the very best of charitable leadership, compassion and community spirit. She is a truly deserving recipient of recognition for her outstanding contribution to Cancer Research, the British Heart Foundation and the continued success of the Pink Tie Ball.
“I wholeheartedly recommend Ada Haywood for this award and commend her for the lasting positive impact she has made on so many lives.”
Ada started her fundraising after a neighbour’s wife died from breast cancer at the age of 35. Ada also fundraises in honour of her late husband, Peter
She said: “I don’t do any of the things I do to get awards but it is amazing to be nominated. It’s really good.”