INSPIRATIONAL was the word used to describe a group of winners crowned at this year’s Against Breast Cancer Achievement Awards.

The charity hosted the ceremony to give recognition to those who selflessly give their time and effort to help others across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire – not necessarily in the fight against breast cancer.

Among the winners was Jeff Denton, 47, from Witney, who was crowned local hero after receiving the most nominations for his work as activity co-ordinator at Old Station House residential care home in Abingdon.

The father-of-two has raised thousands for local charities over the past eight years.

He said: “It is humbling to have won – I was surprised to be nominated.

“It is probably the families I look after and residents who don’t have any other family. I am like a grandson to them all really.

“I am forever arranging trips out and activities at the home. I love it, it is a job with no limits. I make up games at home to help old people with dementia or to make residents feel young again and I have lots of volunteers that come and help. ”

Mr Denton has also raised thousands for the home and a whole host of different charities such as Helen and Douglas House hospice for the past eight years.

The Against Breast Cancer awards saw seven people given titles in categories including corporate, community, creative, sport and special awards.

Jeanne Chattoe, also from Witney, took home the Lifetime Achievement Award for her work helping to raise £200,000 for the charity – despite battling the disease herself.

Mrs Chattoe has been fundraising for Against Breast Cancer since 1982 and in between time founded Witney Action Group, which has helped her raise thousands.

The secretary for Witney Action Group, Faye Carrick, was awarded Person of the Year for her work fundraising – most notably for helping with LibFest, which celebrates the life of Liberty Baker who died after being knocked over by a car on her way to school last year.

Other winners included Employee of the Year Charlotte McKenty of Barrett and Co, Employer of the Year Ashraf Nabih of Hilton Reading, Sports Person of the Year Ramesh Gangotra and Young Achiever of the Year Fran Kirby.

Kelly Gibson, corporate fundraising manager, said: “The evening was amazing. The room was filled with not only our inspirational nominees and amazing winners but with fun and laughter. This event will grow and we hope it will be a must-attend event for everyone across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.”