A VOLUNTEER has been honoured by the Prime Minister for raising more than £100,000 for terminally ill people.

Tommy Baker, the founder of the annual fundraiser White Christmas Dip, has received the Points of Light award from Theresa May.

Tommy launched the Christmas Day fancy dress fundraiser in 2008 to bring his family together when his uncle John White was diagnosed with cancer.

Now in its 10th year, the event attracts thousands of spectators each year who watch more than 750 people plunge into the sea in Boscombe to raise vital funds for Macmillan Caring Locally.

The charity is a specialist palliative care service based at Christchurch Hospital for people with advanced, progressive or incurable illnesses.

In a personal letter to Tommy, Theresa May, wrote: “The ‘White Christmas Dip’ you organise is a fun and festive way of raising money and awareness for an important local charity.

“By sharing your family’s Christmas Day tradition, you are helping Macmillan Caring Locally continue to help those who are suffering from cancer and other terminal diseases while supporting their families too.”

The Points of Light award recognises outstanding volunteers who make a change in their community.

Tommy, said: “I am both amazed and humbled to be receiving this award! I enjoy organising the White Christmas Dip so much that I no longer see it as volunteering as it’s become such an important part of my Christmas Day. The event wouldn’t be the size it is today without the team of volunteers who tirelessly work with me throughout the year to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Over the years, we have raised more than £100,000 for Macmillan Caring Locally and see no reason why this won’t continue to grow so that we can continue to give vital funds to the terminally ill in our area.”

Neal Williams, trust secretary of Macmillan Caring Locally added: “We are absolutely delighted Tommy has received a Points of Light Award, it is richly deserved.

“He and his family started the Macmillan White Christmas Dip in 2008 and Tommy has been the driving force behind it. His dedication and enthusiasm have grown it to the size it is today, our largest annual charity event supporting patients in our community who need specialist palliative care.”