Wolverhampton fundraiser recognised for her charitable work as she seeks to reach her goal
A Wolverhampton woman who has helped raise thousands of pounds for an historic charity football competiton has won a top award
Sylvia Enefer, aged 83 has been part of the committee of the JW Hunt Cup since 2018 - the competition is believed to be the last remaining charity competition in the country dating back to 1926 and had raised around £450,000 for the blind and partially sighted in that time.
Churchill Living, which specialises in apartments and housed for the over 60s has named Sylvia West Midlands Local Hero as part of its nationwide awards - she received her award and £1,000 for the charity in a ceremony in Solihull which saw two other runners up honoured.
The ceremony heard how Sylvia stepped in during Covid in 2020 when games were cancelled to keep the tournament and charity alive, writing 60 letters by hand to former players and referees and raising £4,000.
She continues to lobby businesses for sponsorship and funding and hopes to help the competition reach a milestone of £500,000 raised by its centenary next year.
Sylvia said: "I was inspired by my dear late brother Derek who was a very good footballer and then a FIFA referee to become involved and it went from there
“The JW Hunt Cup charity is a small band of people who give so much. This recognition by Churchill Living and the generous donation takes us one step closer to achieving the magical half-a-million mark and we are all so grateful to them for this - the award is for all of us."
Also recognised was Verena Swinnerton, aged 73, from Bridgnorth who has helped raise funds for vital hospital equipment, at the town's hospital and Terry Flower, aged 77, from Solihull who has Terry Flower, 77, from Solihull, has dedicated the past 15 years to saving lives as a volunteer Community First Responder.
Spencer J McCarthy, chairman and chief executive of Churchill Living, said: "The Local Hero Awards have highlighted the incredible contributions older people are making in communities across the country.
" We’re proud to celebrate their achievements and thank them for everything they do."
