Jim and Flo are Pride of Britain

VETERAN fundraising duo Jim and Flo Essex have won a Pride of Britain Award.

The Yeovil couple have worked tirelessly over the past 20 years to raise money for local and national charities including Yeovil District Hospital, St Margaret's Somerset Hospce, Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital, the PDSA and a donkey sanctuary.

Flo, 82, and Jim, 86, were among those to be recognised at this year's Pride of Britain event which celebrates the achievements of truly remarkable people who make our world a better place.   Jim and Flo are Pride of Britain

It's the biggest national event of its kind in the UK. Every year the winners of the Pride of Britain Awards are decided by a national judging panel from a shortlist of contenders. The committee includes celebrated figures in national life, as well as eminent experts in the fields of medicine and teaching, a representative of the emergency services, and a former Pride of Britain winner.

Jim and Flo have been a particular friend of Yeovil District Hospital raising over £100,000 for the benefit of patients since they first began their fundraising.

The couple have lain on a bed of nails to celebrate 60 years of marriage, jumped through fiery hoops and abseiled down the hospital's eight storey tower - just a few of the crazy fundraising events they have held.

Hospital chief executive, Paul Mears, said: "The hospital is very proud that the fundraising efforts of Flo and Jim Essex have been publicly recognised by the Pride of Britain awards.

“They work tirelessly to raise money and their commitment to YDH is amazing. Their enthusiasm and energy knows no bounds and as a result of this our patients at Yeovil Hospital have benefited enormously.

"They are delightful people, full of life and fun and clearly enjoy every moment of their money raising activities. Congratulations to an inspiring couple.”

PHOTO: Flo and Jim Essex are seen (right of the front row) with other Pride of Britain award winners outside 10 Downing Street earlier this week.

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