Stephanie Awbery
A woman who has spent 21 years fundraising for various charities was back at her computer planning another event only weeks after an eight-hour operation to remove a tumour.
Stephanie Awbery runs the annual Berkshire Motor Show in Prospect Park and is determined to make the event, this year on July 6, fill the park before she retires. Her daughter has nominated her for three categories, the Chris Tarrant Award sponsored by The Oracle; Putting Reading on the Map, sponsored by The Purple Turtle and Jacobs the Jewellers, and the Legacy Award, sponsored by Vale & West.
Her daughter said: “My mum works so hard each year, raising funds for different charities and to give back to the community.
“She works hard to get the show bigger each year as her aim is to fill up Prospect Park in Reading before she retires from doing this event. Even though the event had to be cancelled in July last year, due to our British weather, she was going back and forth to the Royal Berks and then had to go to Guy's Hospital in London to have a tumour out,” she said.
It was to be a two-hour operation, but lasted eight hours as the tumour was wrapped around a main artery.
“That was a shock for everyone. It was the size of a golf ball and, if it had burst, she would not be here,” said her daughter.
Stephanie arranges the show herself, seeking sponsorship and setting up attractions, with helpers on the day. It has raised thousands of pounds for different charities. The first show was at Grazeley with Monster Trucks in the arena. “Mum was the first to get them down south,” said her daughter.
“That was a great success and the ball rolled on from there.
“Over the years, it has grown from a small event in a farmer’s field to a large event in Prospect Park. It has moved three times and is now settled, putting Reading on the map, as people from up and down the country come along to the one-day event. The word has spread and many charities ask for help.”
Stephanie and a friend organise a charity craft fair at Christmas too.
“We love her for doing this and it's what she loves, helping others. That's our mum.”