New award recognises fundraisers and volunteers

Pet Blood Bank UK (PBB) have created a new award scheme in memory of the charity's first ever staff member, Debra Sykes, who sadly lost her battle with cancer last year.

The Heart of Pet Blood Bank Award has a number of categories for both fundraising and volunteering. Winners will be awarded an engraved heart and will receive a gift voucher.

Though in memory of Debra, PBB decided to launch the Heart of PBB now, both in honour of its recent 4,000th donor and its fifth anniversary this year. The award celebrates the achievements of those who help collect and supply life-saving blood to the charity.

A spokesperson said: "Debra lived and breathed PBB, and was instrumental in setting up the volunteering programme."

The charity's website adds: "At PBB we felt [Debra's] legacy should live on by recognising something that was so close to her heart - the support of the supporters. Hence, the Heart of PBB Award was born."