A FUNDRAISER who has donated more than a hundred thousand pounds to local charities has been named ‘community champion of the year’.

Andrew Baker was given the accolade by Soha Housing, the housing association of which he is a tenant.

Soha held their AGM and ‘thank-you’ evening recently, and Mr Baker, the founder of the Play2Give organisation, was one of the big winners on the night.

READ MORE: Play2Give founder Andy Baker reaches £100,000 fundraising target

A record number of nominations were received for the awards which are intended to recognise those tenants who go the extra mile in their local communities.

Former St Birinus School pupil Mr Baker has been fundraising since the age of 14.

He began his mission to repay Oxford medics who treated him throughout childhood after he was born with a brain injury.

He has gone on to raise and donate more than £174,000 through fundraising events, most recently by organising a team of ‘Superheroes’ to take part in the Oxford Mail's OX5RUN in March.

The money Mr Baker and his team of volunteers and supporters has raised over the past 17 years has supported many local charities including the Oxford Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, Headway Oxfordshire, Footsteps and Be Free Young Carers.

The 30-year-old, who has lived in a Soha housing home ever since he was born, said being given the awards by his housing provider were ‘extra special’ and were a ‘continued tribute’ to everyone who continues to support and helps him in his charitable giving.