Pride of Britain winner revealed - Meridian East

Credit: ITV News

After hundreds of nominations, and some amazing stories, the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain ITV Fundraiser of the Year in the Meridian East region has been revealed.

From a shortlist of four incredible people, our judges were unanimous in their decision.

Olympic gold medallist, Alex Danson, helped Fred and Sangeeta chose a winner Credit: ITV News

Olympic gold medal winning hockey player, Alex Danson, joined Fred Dinenage and Sangeeta Bhabra for what they described as one of the toughest decisions they've ever had to make.

But they did make a decision - and Sangeeta went along to surprise our very deserving winner.

David Newstead will now head to the national Pride of Britain awards at the end of the month to represent the region against finalists from across the country - and where an overall winner will be chosen.

Sangeeta surprised David Newstead with the news at his home Credit: ITV Meridian

At nine months old, David's daughter, Shelby, was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a particularly aggressive form of cancer.

In March 1996, a large tumour was removed from her chest at Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital.

But thankfully, the story had a happy ending as Shelby is a very happy and healthy 20-year-old.

Shelby Newstead, aged nine months Credit: David Newstead
Credit: David Newstead

The family were so grateful to the team at GOSH that, with close friends, they put their heads together to think of how they could repay the hospital.

On November 16, 1996, a charity evening was held at Brands Hatch Place, and The Friends of Shelby Newstead fund was born.

The evening was an outstanding success, and the committee have continued this event every year.

In November 2015, the 'Shelby D007' James Bond Themed event raised in excess of £100,000 in one evening.

Credit: ITV News

They mainly donate to children's departments in hospitals that require funding, and local children that require donations. They send children and their families to Disneyland, they pay for care and for parents' accommodation whose children are in hospital.

Over the last 20 years, David and the team have raised an incredible £500,000 for GOSH.

Credit: ITV News

David and his team are now busy preparing for the 20th anniversary fundraising bash at Brands Hatch on November 12.