A FUNDRAISER who has collected more than £85,000 for charities and schools has been nominated for the volunteer award in Your Champions 2011.

Billy Birch, of Victoria Road, Ellesmere Port, who has been collecting for good causes ever since his wife died a decade ago, was nominated by William Aldersea of Flint Court, Ellesmere Port.

In August, Billy donated more than £1,000 of play equipment to the Hinderton School in one of his latest acts of kindness.

Last year he was sent £500 by the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, Peter Fahy, to help to pay for equipment for a centre for people with early-stage dementia.

Over the years he has raised money for Dorin Park School to buy play equipment and picnic tables, Crossroads Care to buy Nintendo Wii consoles and North West Ambulance Service to help build a memorial garden for two colleagues.

He has also played Father Christmas at Blacon Children’s Centre and the Countess of Chester Hospital, given Ellesmere port Ambulance Station £1,131.60 toward finger pulse oximeters and provided the Countess with cash to help it buy a new phlebotomy trolley.

A regular sight around town, many people stop to give Billy their loose change to help with his cause.

To nominate someone: Complete the form in the Ellesmere Port Pioneer or visit www.ellesmereportpioneer.co.uk/yourchampions2011