A BUDE community champion has been recognised with an award from the local Rotary Club.

The Rotary Club of Bude recently presented the Eric Chadd award to Lisa Wood. This prestigious award is given annually to an individual who has provided commendable and valued service to the local community over a considerable period of time.

Lisa runs a number of exercise classes from the Parkhouse Centre particularly supporting those who would otherwise have little or no access to activities promoting their mental health and physical well-being. She also runs classes for underprivileged and special needs youngsters.

Lisa has also given great personal support to many charitable events over the years at her own expense and by advertising through her classes. The RNLI and various cancer care and research initiatives amongst others have benefited greatly from her involvement and generosity.

A spokesperson for the Rotary Club of Bude said: “Throughout the various lockdowns in recent years, she supported her clients by running exercise classes on the internet and also kept in touch with many who would otherwise have had no outside contact.

“Recently Lisa arranged for 120 of her clients to attend a Christmas lunch with singing and dancing entertainment followed by a theatre trip. For many of them this would have been impossible without being part of her group.

“She also organised a collection for the Bude Food Bank delivering donations from her clients to its hub.

“Additionally she took her special needs class on a bowling outing followed by a visit from Santa.

“As an honorary member of Bude Inner Wheel, Lisa gives ongoing support to the organisation's wide range of social and fundraising events, taking along many of her friends and clients.

“Lisa's nomination for this important award reflects her tireless support and deep compassion for so many in our community.”