Moray & Banffshire Heroes 2025: VOTE NOW for your fundraiser of the year!
VOTE for your fundaiser of the year by midnight on Monday, March 24!
READ the shortlist in full.
Emma Byrne
A MUM of two from Buckie is being celebrated for raising over £40,000 for local cancer support groups over the past 18 months.
Emma Byrne (42) has been shortlisted for fundraiser of the year.
Diagnosed with breast cancer at 32, Emma underwent chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy, and was given the all-clear. However, just before turning 40, she received the difficult news that the cancer had spread to both breasts, her spine and pelvis.
Described as ‘inspirational, determined, and an action taker’ the St Peter’s nursery assistant says she has an amazing mum, husband and a wonderful son and daughter who drive her forward.
Reflecting on her efforts to give back to cancer charities and support groups, Emma shared: “I was trying to think of different ways to raise funds and I remembered how sore people’s feet are after a Ladies Day in heels, so I decided to host a Pink PJ Day during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It was a fun, emotional, and educational event where we reminded everyone how to check for lumps or any changes in their breasts.”
Emma added: “Though I’m deeply saddened by my diagnosis, I’m focusing on making the most of every moment and creating lasting memories with my family.”
Frankie Ralph
RUNNING 101 miles in under 17 hours to raise funds for a cause close to his heart has put Lossie born Frankie Ralph firmly on track for a Heroes fundraiser of the year award.
His close friend Michael Dunbar was diagnosed with early-onset familial Alzheimer's at 33. The pair, who have shared a love of music and gigs for over a decade, have always supported one another through tough times.
Having completed an ultra marathon before, Frankie decided to do 33 laps of Lossie and was chuffed when locals young and old came out to join him. His nomination said: “It’s a heartbreaking time for Michael and his family but watching Frankie never waiver from his plan and keep plodding on helped put a smile on their faces.”
Frankie said, “I planned to run 100 miles, but once I hit that, I was too far from home, so I had to keep going. Next year, I hope to run 200 miles and raise even more funds, but my physio suggested I mix in some right turns, as all those left turns were tough on my body!”
He concluded, “I’ll do whatever I can to support Michael, just like he’s always been there for me.”
Madison Reid
A VISIT to hospital for an x-ray inspired 10-year-old Madison Reid to undertake an epic fundraiser which raised over £1360 for children’s charity, the Archie Foundation.
The primary six pupil, from Ordiquhill Primary School, Cornhill, who is also nominated in the primary pupil category, undertook an A-Z of locations, completing seven dances each time, to raise money for the charity.
A nomination said: “Madison has a heart of gold. She always thinks of others before herself. She decided she wanted to do something that would benefit children and decided to visit towns in Scotland performing Highland dancing routines to raise money. Madison is not finished and wants to raise money for a charity next year again!”
Madison was inspired after receiving a gift with an Archie Foundation sticker on it while she was at hospital.
When she discovered more about the charity, she set her mind to fundraising for it but wanted to come up with something a little different! A TikTok video of a fundraiser who ate an A to Z of world cuisines provided the spark and Madison, together with mum Vicky, got planning.
Mum Vicky explained: “Madison wondered if she could go around towns and villages Highland dancing. We got in touch with the Archie Foundation and they said they’d never heard of a fundraiser like it!”
The fundraiser of the year is sponsored by Northern Asbestos
Managing director at Northern Asbestos, Sean Donnelly, said: “I’m proud to be sponsoring the fundraiser category for the third year running. It’s a powerful way to give back to people of our community that deserve recognition for their fundraising efforts that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.
“I like to sponsor the fundraising category because it gives people the recognition they deserve ‒ celebrating the selfless efforts of people in our community raising money for various charities in the Moray and Banffshire areas.
“I urge you to vote for any fundraisers that you feel deserve recognition for their efforts. It may be your vote that gets the fundraiser an award they deserve.”
