AN award won by parents who have fundraised tirelessly for a charity in memory of their late son is to be shared with the community.

Julie and Gavin Andrews were runners-up in the Love Barrow Awards 2016 Citizen of the Year Award. 

The Barrow couple were recognised for their fundraising and awareness work in aid of the North West Air Ambulance Charity in memory of their son Joseph, who died aged 19 following a car crash in August 2013.

The Andrews were moved to help the North West Air Ambulance Charity, which played a major role in trying to save their son’s life. With the support of family, friends and the community they have raised more than £20,000. 

The couple decided to share the award with those who have raised funds, with the aim of encouraging another fundraising boost. 

Every six weeks the award will move to a different person or group and they will be invited to raise some funds for the charity.

Mrs Andrews said: "We felt privileged and humbled by the award. It was joint effort and we wanted to thank everyone who helped us. 

"We will pass the award to different people and challenge them to raise some money for the North West Air Ambulance Charity." 

The first recipient is Kerry Jones, manager of Bar Continental, in Abbey Road, Barrow.

Miss Jones sold raffle tickets at Christmas for the charity, raising more than £160.  

Mrs Andrews presented the award to her along with a photo of Joseph.

Miss Jones said: "Julie and Gavin have done a fantastic job with their fundraising and raising awareness about the work of the North West Air Ambulance Charity.

"I'm honoured to be the first  to receive the award. It is a brilliant idea to share the award with other people."       

Miss Jones is hosting a coffee morning and fun day at Bar Continental on Wednesday June 1, which is during half-term holiday, in aid of the charity.

The event runs from 10am and features coffee, tea, cake and refreshments, a raffle, tombola, children's tombola, face painting, the colouring corner and a crafts area.