Over a week of incredible stories from the Pride of Britain finalists, who've been nominated in the regional fundraiser of the year category, have ended up with Matt Way, who has organised the Joe Way Paddle for Life for the past decade in memory of his son winning.
 
Matt and wife Claire will be heading to the glitzy Daily Mirror Pride of Britain awards in a weeks’ time.
 
The three other nominees in the South West were mum-of-three Hayley Gwilliams, who set up the charity 'Footsteps for Freddie' last year to help acquire equipment for children with various conditions that prevent them from walking.  Table tennis coach Liz May who organised #PinkPong and has since set up many other fundraisers for good causes.  Justeen Easton from North Devon set up the charity 'Everything Ellie' two years ago following the death of her teenage daughter - Ellie.
 
Matt said: "I'm just feeling really humble. It was a complete surprise and after ten years of doing this to raise money for other people and to raise awareness about Joe's story it was a pleasant surprise".
 
Matt was surprised by ITV reporter Claire Manning with the award at Ben Skinners surfboard factory after Ben had set up a team photo to ensure Matt was at the right place at the right time.
 
Helen Bolton who nominated Matt for the award said: “We are so pleased for Matt and the whole family”.
 
The awards, hosted by The Mirror, celebrates achievements of people in the community who 'make the world a better place'. Winners are chosen after being whittled down from thousands of nominations, and are decided by a panel of judges.
 
The awards ceremony will be on ITV on Monday 30th October, please see below if you would like to become a sponsor at next years Paddle for Life 2018.

If you have then please support next years Joe Way Paddle for Life, which is being held on Thursday 28th June in Newquay, by donating to our charity pot.  Remember 100% of your donation will go to one of our chosen charities or good causes in memory of Joe.

 

Example of this years poster.

Matt has been nominated for a Pride of Britain award, along with three others in the south-west. He said: "I'm just feeling really humble. It was a complete surprise and after ten years of doing this to raise money for other people and to raise awareness about Joe's story it was a pleasant surprise".

Matt said: "It was such a massive loss when Joe died that we had to do something to fill that void. This has been amazing experience and a real credit to Joe's legacy.   We have always told Joe's story to inspire people as he had battled off ten superbugs and put up such a great fight which he always did with a smile. We just wanted to celebrate the positive way he dealt with everything”.

Matt continued “when he died in our arms in HDU there wasn't a children's hospice available for people living in Cornwall so that was a really important part of our journey, to support the hospice and make sure it was built. Which it was and it is doing an amazing job to help families that are unfortunately in the same position that we were."

It isn't just about their family though and Matt has paid tribute to everyone involved in getting the Appeal to where it is today.

He said: "It's really exciting and it's a great opportunity to showcase the amazing way that people have supported us in Cornwall and particularly the people of Newquay and the surfing community”.

"It's an amazing town and there's some amazing people who live here and I think it's great for everyone to have some recognition for everything they have done to celebrate Joe's life and be part of his story - even though he's not here anymore. As a family, we're really proud of that."

The awards, hosted by The Mirror, celebrates achievements of people in the community who 'make the world a better place'. Winners are chosen after being whittled down from thousands of nominations, and are decided by a panel of judges.

This year's awards will be hosted on 31st October on ITV and be hosted at Grosvenor House in London.