A couple who spent their ruby wedding anniversary year raising funds for a charity that rescued them after the Asian Tsunami are hoping to scoop £20,000.

Richard and Pamela Hastie have been nominated as Britain's most inspiring fundraisers - and could bag the cash for their chosen charity, the British Red Cross.

The competition is being run by Every click.com in memory of Jane Tomlinson who raised £1.75m for cancer charities before she died of the disease.

It aims to recognise exceptional fundraising efforts.

Mr and Mrs Hastie, of Crouch Street, Banbury, were holidaying in Sri Lanka in 2004 when the Boxing Day Tsunami struck the island.

They witnessed first-hand the work of the Red Cross and last year, to celebrate 40 years of marriage, the couple held a fundraising event each month to raise money for the international aid charity.

Initially they hoped to raise £2,000. But by the end of the year the fund had topped an amazing £11,500.

Friends and family were roped in to a host of events, including a sponsored silence by one of 58-year-old Mrs Hastie's fitness classes, a curry night, quiz nights, wine tasting and a sponsored walk.

Mr Hastie, 62, swam the equivalent of the English Channel for one fundraising event.

The couple also took part in the London Triathlon and organised a Casino Royale ball.

Mrs Hastie said: "We were caught up in the Tsunami in Sri Lanka and the Red Cross came and rescued us.

"We realised how important their emergency response is.

"We had a busy year.

"The fundraising was really good - we got some fantastic local support. "

The couple, who have run five marathons between them, were also involved in a car accident during the fundraising year, suffering several broken bones between them. But they soldiered on to reach their goal.

Polly Gowers, of Everyclick, said: "I am delighted to be able to highlight the incredible achievements of volunteer fundraisers across the UK.

"These individuals have given their time and energy to extremely worthy causes and have demonstrated ingenuity, personal commitment and a determination to raise funds for charities of all types and sizes right across the UK."

The winner is due to be announced on June 11. Two days later the Banbury branch of the Red Cross is due to present the Hasties with a certificate of appreciation.