Marie is a true community hero (From Warrington Guardian)

Marie is a true community hero

FUND-RAISER extraordinaire Marie Johnson has received a top award for her outstanding charity work spanning more than half a century.

Mrs Johnson, aged 77, is known throughout Congleton for her tireless support for good causes locally and across the world.

She has raised money for Congleton War Memorial Hospital, the disabled, handicapped, and local soldiers serving in the Gulf War.

She has also organised events to help victims of earthquakes, famines, the Twin Towers terrorist attack, and currently the tsunami appeal.

Mrs Johnson joined forces with Ken Shuttleworth to stage a coffee morning and tombola on Saturday, which raised more than £2,400 for the tidal wave survivors.

Mr Shuttleworth is community service chairman of Congleton Rotary Club, and invited Mrs Johnson and husband Alex to a club meeting on Monday.

At that they were told they had been chosen to receive Service Recognition awards, one of the top honours given by Rotary.

Mr Shuttleworth described Mrs Johnson as "fantastic, wonderful and a great motivator."

"She has been fund-raising for over 50 years, whether it be a concert, coffee morning, auction or raffle," he said.

"However I don't think everything Marie has achieved would have been possible without the very important part Alex has played.

"Between them they have made a wonderful team, and long may that continue."

The Service Recogniton Awards are the first to be presented by Congleton Rotary Club since the award was introduced in 1988.

It is intended to recognise outstanding service to the community by Rotarians or non-Rotarians.

Marie and Alex, aged 79, live in Ruskin Road, Congleton, and Marie has received other awards for her community efforts.

In 1991 she was the South Cheshire Woman of Achievement, received an award in 2000 from Congleton Town Council for outstanding service to the town, and in 2001 won a Siemens in the Community award.

"It's a big award from the Rotary Club, and I really do appreciate it," said Mrs Johnson.

"I was overwhelmed to receive it, and always try to help if someone needs something.

"Because I am Congleton born and bred I know a lot of people, like meeting people, and plan to carry on raising money until I can't do it any more."