“WE were determined, absolutely determined that Shannon would never be forgotten and now her memory lives on through work we do.”

Those were the words of Patti and Alan Bradshaw after the children’s charity they set up following the devastating death of their daughter was named Charity of the Year at the Warrington Guardian Inspiration Awards 2017.

Shannon died aged seven on July 17, 2002 after she was diagnosed with bone marrow condition aplastic anaemia.

Since then Patti and Alan have worked tirelessly to give something back to the community and in the past 15 years The Shannon Bradshaw Trust has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds to help other families who have children with life-threatening diseases.

Accepting the award at The Halliwell Jones Stadium last Thursday, Patti said: “Losing a child is the hardest thing in the world and the trust has been absolutely everything to me since Shannon died, I don’t think I would still be here without it.

“We have been doing this for 15 years now and you don’t really stop to think about how other people feel about it, you just go through each day, doing what you do. It’s lovely to know that it means a lot to other people too.

“I’m completely overwhelmed. It’s a real surprise, especially as we were nominated with such other fantastic causes. I want to thank everyone who has supported us over the years. We couldn’t do any of this without you.”

Alan, who has taken less of an active role with the trust in recent years, spoke with pride about the charity’s achievements. Supported by a team of volunteers, trustees and patrons, the trust has funded specialist equipment, wheelchairs, a holiday caravan, respite holidays, and set up a community centre, youth club and cafe in Shannon’s name.

He said: “It’s all down to my wife and our volunteers that we have been able to make such a difference to so many children and families.

“At times it has been incredibly difficult but Patti has been amazing. When I look at how far she has come and what she has achieved in Shannon’s name, I couldn’t be prouder.”