A man who has devoted his time to help a charity raise money for patients with life limiting illnesses is our community hero this week.

Dan Holden, 73, from Watford spends most of his spare time organising fundraisers for the Peace Hospice Care charity.

His aid for the charity began in 2014 when he got in involved with the summer fundraising event Peace Fete and since has never looked back.

He then set up the Watford Support Group, which he chairs, in November 2017 with people who had experience in fundraising and began organising fundraisers for charities such as Peace Hospice.

Peace Hospice Care is a charity that is dedicated to improving the quality of life for patients and families facing a life limiting illness by providing care and support.

Watford Observer:

Dan Holden (far left) presenting a cheque for peace hospice August 2018. The Watford Support Group raised more than £7000

Mr Holden said: “I chose to organise fundraisers for the Peace Hospice as a result of my brother-in-law having been a patient there.

“I have seen the wonderful work they do at close hand and the care my brother-in-law received in the law few days of his life was amazing and this spurred me on to get involved.

“The reduction in funding from the Government is motivating the group to put on more fundraising events.”

Since the group was formed they managed to raise over £11,000 for charity. Mr Holden's group also raises money for Watford Renal Unit, which helps and treats patients with kidney disease.

He said: “I’m really pleased that we managed to raise over £11,000 as we didn’t start too long ago.

"Sometimes the biggest problem with being chair and organising these fundraisers is that you are always dependent on the same people to support the events.

“But having the positive feedback from the attendees at the events and just seeing people enjoying themselves makes it all worth it.

“I hope to always be able to support charities in their amazing work so they can continue to help people.”

When told he was our featured community hero, Mr Holden said: “I feel very honoured and proud not just on my behalf but also on the behalf of the others in the group without whom none of this would be possible.”

Peace Hospice Care head of communications and marketing Debbie Leven said: “Dan has always been heartfelt passionate person always wanting to give back.

“He works hard to encourage people to get involved, being recognised a Community hero is well deserved.”