A FIREFIGHTER from Dorset who founded a music festival in memory of his brother has won prestigious fundraising awards.

Tom Newton, 27, has been announced as the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain ITV Fundraiser of the Year in the Meridian West region.

He was also presented a community award as Wave 105’s Cash for Kids Fundraiser of the Year at a ceremony in Bournemouth.

Tom, from Blandford, lost his ten-year-old brother Teddy to a rare bone cancer in 2010. Since then, he and his family and friends have raised more than £200,000 and set up a Teddy20, a charity to help other families.

Their determined efforts to give families with loved ones suffering from illnesses ‘time outs’ and support led to ITV turning up at Tom’s work to present the award.

A passionate musician, Tom set up a gig and the first Teddy Rocks Festival in 2011, raising £400 for charity. From there, the festival outgrew the Greyhound pub and moved to a field in Blandford this year, raising a staggering £42,800.

With the funds, the family run charity purchased Ted’s Shack, a holiday home in Weymouth for children fighting cancer and their families.

Tom said: “I didn’t really want to accept the awards – I have so many friends and family that help and I don’t like taking the limelight. So I’m accepting the awards really on behalf of them.”

He said: “Seeing the positive effects this is already having for Teddy Rocks and Teddy20 has been incredible. To see just how much love and support for what we do is out there has fuelled me even more to work even harder to put on the best rock show we can next year. 

"The fact that I won both awards is a real credit to every single person that makes Teddy Rocks happen. From stage crew to litter picking it’s fair to say this award is just as much for you as it is me. I can’t stress enough how much we can help support children fighting cancer.”

Representing this region, Tom now has a chance to win the national Fundraiser of the Year at the Pride of Britain awards in London at the end of the month, where an overall winner for the UK will be announced.

Tom said: “It’s all been pretty mad since I got the award. All my family are really proud and so chuffed and excited.” 

My friends all think it’s really funny as they see me struggle with the limelight. But this is our foot in the door for the charity and the festival and to raise awareness for it.

“I owe it to help people understand what families go through.”

Visit teddyrocks.co.uk