A FORMER Woolworths employee, who has dedicated decades to support local charities, cultural groups and the Royal Berkshire Hospital, has been put forward for The Chris Tarrant Award.
Martin Butler has for the past 25-plus years been a fundraiser/trustee for charitable causes in Reading, starting as treasurer of a local Scout group and playgroup, said his nominator.
“While working at Woolworths Reading in 1998, he took a more active role in fundraising, becoming ambassador for Woolworths ‘Kid’s first’ charity, enabling the branch to complete three projects in local schools and at the Royal Berks,” he said.
A year later Martin had become chairman of the hospital’s newly-formed League of Friends business group, before becoming chairman of the friends’ charity until 2008.
After safely securing tenureship of numerous outlets in the hospital, Martin then became an employee of the charity, until 2020. He was instrumental in establishing the hospital fete in Tilehurst as an annual event, said his nominator.
During this time he successfully launched the hospital’s retail trolley service for patients that were unable to visit the in-house shops.
The list goes on. Since 2020, he has worked for the Royal Berks Charity as community fundraising manager, working with a variety of community groups and managing events, raising further funds.
For the last five years he has acted as secretary for the Reading Male Voice Choir, managing their activities/concerts and continuing their charity fundraising.
He was also publicity officer for the Shinfield Players Theatre for seven years but these days he prefers performing, said his nominator who added: “His efforts have resulted in helping to raise many thousands of pounds for many local charities and still counting.”
The Chris Tarrant Award, sponsored by The Oracle shopping centre, celebrates someone who lives or works in Reading who deserves special recognition.
Nominate your choice for an award at porawards.co.uk
