Individuals and groups from Nationwide Building Society were recently rewarded for collectively raising more than £78,000 for charity. The Nationwide Employee Community and Environment Awards also recognized employees who took on projects in aid of local communities and the environment during 2007.

Ten different awards were presented, with four of the awards going to people in Swindon.

  • The 'Special Achievement Award' went to Amanda Martin,
  • The 'Special Achievement Team Award' was won by Business Services,
  • Roger Reeves from Hawksworth won the 'Community Ambassador Award' and
  • A second team from Business Services won the 'Environment Team Award'.

All the winners were presented with their awards by celebrity guest Ralf Little, from the TV series the 'Royle Family', and Nationwide's executive director Tony Prestedge at a special ceremony in High Wycombe on Friday 8 February.

Amanda Martin works at Kingsbridge Point in Swindon. Despite being diagnosed with Crohn's disease a few years ago, Amanda has taken part in many charity events in order to raise awareness and money for further research into the disease. Amanda completed The Moonwalk, Race for Life and a half marathon in Cyprus. During the last four years she has raised over £2000 for the Colitis & Crohn's Society and other charities.

The Business Services team who support the strategic and day to day running of Nationwide, based at Nationwide House in Swindon, completed several activities to raise money for Cancer Research UK. Events included a Christmas and Valentine's Day gift wrapping service, barn dances and selling home made cakes and jam. All activities took place during their lunch breaks and they collectively raised over £3,260 for Cancer Research UK and other charities.

Roger Reeves who works at Hawksworth in Swindon, has been involved with many different initiatives over the years. He has been a member of the Swindon Scout Movement since he was eight years old, holding the position of Deputy County Scout Commissioner for 25 years. Roger has also been Chairman of the Swindon Duke of Edinburgh Awards for 12 years. If that wasn't enough, Roger has been the manager of Swindon Town Ladies football team since its formation in 1993, their physiotherapist, Secretary of the South West Ladies Football League and he also helps out at Swindon Town Football Club on match days.

Another team from Business Services, who are based at Nationwide House in Swindon, won their award for erecting two Eco-Huts at Covingham Park Junior School in Swindon. The Eco-Huts were constructed using locally sourced materials and the team helped to raise pupils' awareness about issues such as sustainability, the environment and global citizenship. The team also raised nearly £11,000 to build an orphanage in Zimbabwe.

Tony Prestedge, Nationwide's executive director, who presented the awards, said: "Nationwide is very proud to have so many employees who volunteer to support their local communities, environment and charities. Their actions have resulted in helping an enormous number of people across the country. Charitable support and community involvement are at the very heart of Nationwide and I am extremely proud to be able to congratulate all of our winners on their outstanding commitment and achievements."