THE mother of a Hale man who died from a heart condition has been awarded for her ‘incredible’ fundraising.


Jennie Crean was honoured at the Altrincham Rotary Club Awards alongside charity project manager, Marie Greenhalgh, who was commended for her ‘outstanding contribution to the local community’.


Both received the Paul Harris Fellowship Award at a ceremony at the Cresta Court Hotel on May 29.


Jennie’s son Ben, who was a talented rugby player, died of a sudden heart attack in 2008, aged 28.


Following his death, his family set up the Ben Crean Trust and have raised funds for defibrillators to be put in public places.


Jennie said: “Obviously we were devastated when Ben died and we wanted to keep his fantastic zest for life alive by embarking on a series of fundraising activities.”


She added: “I was extremely honoured and surprised to be awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship Award.


“We hope to continue to raise awareness of the value of defibrillators and CPR training within local community organisations."


Marie manages Wythenshawe Good Neighbours, which helps to prevent elderly people from becoming lonely and isolated.


She manages the day-to-day coordination of the project, referrals and risk assessments of the elderly clients and the training and continued support of the volunteers.


One of Marie’s clients, Charlotte, who is 92, said: “It’s the hours in-between when you are lonely.


“A weekend can be such a long time without a visitor.


“I have a laugh with my volunteer and she telephones me during the week. I look forward to her visits.”