‘Statue for Sandra’ calls after fundraiser scoops Pride of Britain award

Sandra  (78) was named Fundraiser of the Year at the Pride of Britain ceremony this week in London for her 38 years of service, before pledging to keep fighting for people living with dementia.

Her victory prompted social media user Frank Cutler to say: “Instead of a old pit wheel from Dinnington pit, how about a statue of Sandra Blockley MBE on the way into Thurcroft?”

Samantha Didlock said the prize was “well deserved”, adding: “I fully agree the village should do something for her.”

Still shocked, Sandra, who can be found at her charity shop on Green Arbour Road, Thurcroft, was unable to say how much money she has raised over the years but believes it is well into six figures.

She said she was “absolutely amazed” by her win, adding: “It was a shock. There were 16 against me.

“I can’t get my head around it.

“When you’ve got all these television stars who were there, coming up to you after the ceremony...it was lovely.”

Sandra said she was not going to be complacent and would not be taking it easy.

“I won’t stop,” she added. “It’s too important. So many people are being diagnosed with dementia, even younger ones, and my heart goes out to them.

“If I could do it forever, I would.

“I would never ever change it because it’s done so much good.”

Sandra started fundraising after her daughter Lorraine died of cervical cancer when she was just 19.

She later also lost her husband Charlie to dementia.

“He kept missing words out,” Sandra recalled. “We went to the doctor, and he just referred us to the memory clinic.

“He said he had memory problems. They didn’t say anything about dementia or Alzheimer’s at that time.

“I then found a memory café. He absolutely loved it. I took him there for five years.

“It was amazing. It was my lifeline. There were other people in the same boat as me.

“We’ve made friends.

“He passed away six years ago but I told them: ‘I’m not leaving, I’m staying as a volunteer.’”

Sandra kept her word, and has never stopped helping others as she knows what they are going through.

She added: “We had music at the café.

“Men were dancing with their wives... those were magical moments.

“I decided to raise money so they could have entertainment.

“I want to raise £15,000 by Christmas.

“I’m not finished yet.”