Pulborough’s ‘unsung hero’ receives Rotary Club award

Stuart Pullen of Pulborough was honoured by the Rotary Club of Britain and Ireland (RIBI) for his exceptional work.

Mr Pullen was joined by his wife and Arundel and South Downs MP Nick Herbert for the special awards ceremony in Whitehall on June 25.

The new Champions of Change awards are designed to recognise Rotarians who champion change, do good and enhance lives by their initiatives.

Mr Pullen received his award for his work with the charity Children of Sumatra, which helps children in the Island of Sumatra, Indonesia, who suffer from a cleft lip and palate.

Many families in Sumatra are too poor to pay for a simple operation that can transform their child’s future.

The Rotary Club said that Mr Pullen had single-handedly been responsible for raising half the funds used in carrying out some 800 operations over the last 12 years.

Herbert Chatters of the Rotary Club said: “Unsung hero, unassuming individual, operating under the radar are all phrases which can be used to describe Stuart. Liked by everyone, he has an innate capacity gently to persuade others to join his passion for the Children of Sumatra and donate money.”

Mr Pullen provided his services as an auctioneer at a fundraising Pledge Auction in 2003, which raised £5,300. He was so impressed with the work of the charity that he set about organising fundraising.

He became a trustee of the charity in 2005 and then became its Chairman.

Nick Herbert said: “I was delighted to meet Stuart Pullen and his wife at the awards ceremony.

“He has dedicated so much time and energy to support his charity with tremendous results, and he thoroughly deserves his award.”