The proof is in the pudding that Cheddleton fundraiser, Stan Winterton, is a prize-winning Cancer Research UK supporter. He has scooped a national award for his outstanding contribution to the cause – not least for his creation of the legendary Cheddleton Pudding Run.

The charity's annual Flame of Hope Awards acknowledge remarkable efforts in volunteering made by people from all walks of life.

Seventy-six-year-old Stan Winterton received the Honorary Fellowship accolade at a special ceremony in Manchester.

An audience at Manchester Hall heard how the retired local farmer has shown "phenomenal" dedication to Cancer Research UK by playing an integral part in raising over £1.2 million for vital research over the past 45 years.

On receiving his award, Stan said: "It was a great honour to receive this award, and I had a wonderful day at the ceremony. I felt quite choked up when I went up to receive my Flame of Hope, as it put me in mind of my parents, who both died of cancer at the relatively young ages of 53 and 55.

"It was me that received the award, but I have always worked as part of the incredible and vibrant Cheddleton committee who have been central to all our successful fundraising."

President of the Cheddleton Cancer Research UK committee for over a decade, Stan has been involved in countless flagship events including Carnival Day, Bonfire and Firework Night and the Churnet Valley Ball, as well as numerous marquee lunches and garden parties at his family home.

A keen runner since his first Potteries Marathon in 1982, Stan has also run the London Marathon on several occasions to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

And it was this enthusiasm for running that inspired his creation of the now legendary Cheddleton Pudding Run, an idea born when his daughter was fundraising for the charity as Carnival Queen. Now in its 38th year, the popular event consists of a 10k run or two-mile fun run around the village on the last weekend in November, with participants bagging a Christmas pudding at the finish line. It has so far raised more than a staggering £120,000.

CRUK relationship manager for the Leek area, Paula Sheehan, who nominated Stan for the award, said: "Stan is phenomenal. His dedication and determination know no bounds, and this was demonstrated last year when the pandemic put a halt to the groups plans. Never to be defeated, Stan was adamant it would go ahead and used his innovative mind to find a solution with a virtual event, raising over £3,000. He is a total inspiration and he thoroughly deserves to receive this award."

Stan was among a total of 80 individuals and groups to be recognised.

The 2021 Flame of Hope awards are being held at six locations across the UK throughout November.

Jane Redman, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Staffordshire, said: "This is the first year we have celebrated our Flame of Hope award winners with events across the UK - making the occasion more personal for our amazing supporters.

"These awards are our way of honouring incredible people like Stan who give their time freely to raise money for research and promote greater awareness of the disease, and yet ask for nothing in return.

"Every step we make towards beating cancer relies on every pound, every hour and every person. It's thanks to the support of the fundraising public and our amazing army of volunteers that we can continue to make a real difference and bring forward the day when all cancers are cured."

Cancer Research UK has celebrated the achievements of more than 1,500 people since launching its Flame of Hope awards in 2013.

Michelle Mitchell, Cancer Research UK's chief executive, said: "The past 18 months hasshownus – more than ever – how fortunatewe are to have the support of our incredible volunteers.

"The Flame of Hope awards give us the opportunity to celebrate and say thank you to our dedicated volunteers and supporters for the fantastic work they continue to do.

"One in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime*, and we can all play a part to help beat it. Cancer Research UK's pioneering work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has helped save millions of lives but this has only been possible thanks to the commitment of our supporters and volunteers, without whom we would be unable to fund outstanding scientists, doctors and nurses."