A YATE teenager has beaten thousands of other youngsters to be awarded Cancer Research UK’s Fundraiser of the Year.

Liam Craddock, 19, is set to receive a Flame of Hope Volunteering Award for his work organising the Yate Relay for Life - a 24 hour community challenge that takes place every year in the town.  

The kind-hearted student, who is currently studying Medicine at the University of Bristol, stepped up to the role of co-chairman in 2015 whilst studying for his A-Levels at Chipping Sodbury School.

He has since overseen two years of incredible fundraising efforts, which have raised tens of thousands of pounds for charity.

“My Mum was the chair for six years and when she stepped down two years ago they needed someone else to help," he said.

"Someone had to continue her work, so I volunteered. It was a tough challenge, especially because I was busy studying for my A-Levels the first time round, but it’s such a worthwhile cause.”

Last year’s Yate Relay for Life, which was organised by Liam and his fellow co-chairman Beverley Sadier, marked an incredible year of fundraising that saw participants raise over £56,000 for cancer research.

The event sees people of all ages and physical abilities run or walk around a track for 24-hours straight, and raises awareness of different types of cancer through themed laps.

Beverley, 48, said: “Everyone on the committee behind the relay has been touched in some way by cancer.

“We are all incredibly proud of Liam, he has made a real commitment as the event takes a lot of organising over the entire year. I couldn’t do it without him.”

Kate Constance, a local fundraising manager for Cancer Research UK, has since commended the whole team behind the Yate Relay.

She said: “The Flame of Hope award is not simply a recognition of Liam’s achievements, but also a testimony to the whole committee behind him and Beverley.

“They have all gone above and beyond the call of duty. Most of our money at Cancer Research UK comes from our volunteers, without their amazing work we couldn’t do what we do.”

This year's Yate Relay will take place on Saturday, July 1 and Sunday, July 2 at Yate Outdoor Sports Complex.

To find out more, visit the Yate Relay for Life website here.