Crowning glory for fundraising king

Charity fundraising king Andy Uglow has been honoured with a prestigious award as he faces the biggest challenge of his life.

The highest Rotary accolade came right ‘out of the blue’ for Torquay-born Andy when he received a coveted sapphire Paul Harris Fellowship Award.

This special award is rarely given, but members of the Rotary Club of Torbay Sunrise, for which Andy is currently president, felt that he was more than worthy of such recognition.

But little did he, his family and friends know, but he was desperately ill.

In July, Andy spearheaded the first Torbay all-inclusive music festival for those with learning disabilities and autism. 

The event was a huge success with more than 300 attending. Never one to rest on his laurels, Andy threw himself headlong into organizing the return of Babbacombe Fayre in August and what a comeback it was with thousands of locals and visitors flocking to Babbacombe Downs.

But, behind the scenes, Andy was battling with ill-health and shortly after Babbacombe Fayre was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. 

Andy, a well-known commercial photographer who has covered major events with wife Kathy for several years in the Bay, ranging from award presentation nights to VIP and Royal visits, said: “I had no idea about the award whatsoever. I was lost for words.”

He has been a Rotarian since 2008, helping to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for various local charities in that time.

His fundraising ventures over the years have included the Proms on the Downs, the Pedal Car Grand Prix on Torquay seafront and the Rotary’s Christmas grotto in Fleet Walk, Torquay.

His most memorable was a sky-dive with 18 others aged from 15 to 82 five years ago which raised a mammoth £120,000 for MS.

He says: “It was major thinking to do especially as I am petrified of heights and vomited all the way down.”

His illness came out of the blue. He says: “I was not well and didn’t feel right but it was all a total shock.”

He is now in the middle of gruelling chemotherapy sessions which are followed by stem cells treatment.

Andy, who is also teaching photography to pupils with special needs, says: “The condition is not curable but it is treatable.”

He added: “I have had fantastic support from everybody, Rotary clubs, my family and friends. I have been overwhelmed.”

Felllow Rotarian, Steve Holdup said: “Those that know Andy will agree how he always works selflessly for others whatever the price, but he was determined to make these community events a success and this he did. This prestigious award is recognition for all that hard work and dedication in such difficult circumstances.”

A special presentation event took place at The Queen Elizabeth Café in St Marychurch where Andy was able to attend and also induct two new members Steve and Mandy Darling.

Andy said: “It was such a great night and a real surprise to be honoured in such a way. I truly had no idea. I will wear my pin with pride. It was also great to welcome two new Rotarians  to the club – Steve and Mandy Darling – who I feel sure will both become great assets to our club.”