A CHARITY champion has received two awards in recognition of his hard work and commitment.

Jason Lewis, from Coedpoeth, has arranged the popular Ride CYMRU event since 2012 - raising upwards of £115,000 in the process.

Each year, motorcyclists taking part go on a trip dressed as biking legend Evel Knievel.

The funds raised have mainly helped Macmillan Cancer Cancer Support, but other charities have also benefited from the events.

Mr Lewis has now been named the winner of an award from the High Sheriff of Clwyd, as well as the Douglas Macmillan award from Macmillan Cancer Support.

He was due to attend an award event at Theatr Clwyd for the award from then High Sherriff Stephanie Catherall, but due to the coronavirus precautions the event was cancelled.

Mr Lewis did manage to collect the award however, in a Wrexham supermarket car park - and he told the Leader he was very grateful and humbled to be recognised.

He then found out he had won the Douglas Macmillan award for Wales after being nominated by Macmillan's North Wales fundraising manager Eleri Brady.

"This isn't about me," he said.

"I accept these awards on behalf of everyone who has supported me and taken part in the events - it is a team effort.

"This year's Ride Cymru has been cancelled, but we have still managed to raise £16,000 for Macmillan and the Mannin CT Scanner Appeal.

"So now we are looking at a small charity ride later in the year when it is safe.

"On April 24, even though everyone is in lockdown, we're going to do a 'being Evel from home' day where everyone is going to be dressed as Evel Knievel and sharing their photos and videos on our Ride Cymru Facebook page."

Former High Sheriff of Clwyd Stephanie Catherall congratulated Mr Lewis, adding: "Jason really stood out to me - they way he organised all of these trips and did all of the mapping. "He has raised a phenomenal amount for Macmillan and I thought that was admirable.

"It wasn't quite the backdrop we had planned, but I was able to give him his award."

Eleri Brady, of Macmillan Cancer Support, said: "Douglas Macmillan was our founder and this award is for someone who acts as an ambassador, ensures everyone knows about the charity, uses their influence to make an impact in their area and engages with the community as well as raising the profile of Macmillan. "I am very proud of Jason and I am so please he has won the award. I'd like to thank him for all of his support and the fundraising he does."