When the whole of the UK went into lockdown our readers went above and beyond to fundraise for the NHS, charities and families most in need.

Over the past few months, we have covered heroes across both Sutton and Merton who demonstrated bravery, kindness and determination to complete fundraisers which would help people both locally and around the UK.

Our readers have participated in 1000km marathons, skipping challenges, Captain Tom inspired events and 'bakeathons' to fundraise for those in need.

As restrictions further continue to ease, we have decided to list our top ten fundraisers since the start of the UK lockdown.

1. Daisy's rainbow walk fundraiser

Adorable Daisy Briggs, 3, from Sutton, wore a different colour of the rainbow each day during her daily walking frame fundraiser.

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Daisy's mother, Rea Briggs, 34, was told the chances of Daisy walking were near to impossible, due to her spinal condition, Spina Bifida.

Three years later, Daisy defied all odds and has coincidentally learnt to walk 25 metres unaided during her 64-day fundraiser.

Daisy's donations reached £21,605 at the time of publishing.

Disabled girl from Sutton reaches milestone in national fundraiser

2. Wallington teacher fundraises to support student with cancer

Alasdair Robertson, Assistant Headteacher of Wallington County Grammar School, embarked on a fundraising challenge after his pupil was diagnosed with cancer.

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Sachin Shah, 17, was diagnosed with a form of bone cancer called osteosarcoma ( in February) after complaining of a pain in the inside of his right leg.

In a bid to give back to the cancer charity who have supported Sachin since his diagnosis, Mr Robertson ran 10km per day, for almost 100 days, for cancer charity CLIC Sargent.

His fundraising page has raised £20,360 at the time of publishing.

Teacher completes 1000km marathon for CLIC Sargent

3. Wimbledon soldier raises thousands in cricket marathon in garden

A soldier and his friends raised over £8000 by running a cricket marathon in their back gardens to raise money for the NHS.

Rob Cross, 25, from Wimbledon, took part in a marathon 'virtually' alongside his fellow soldiers, Charlie Newman, 25, and Rob Treasure, 24.

The three soldiers ran a marathon made up of 2,387 lengths between two sets of cricket stumps in their gardens.

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The marathon was completed in just one day, on May 2.

Donations reached £8,073.06 at the time of publishing.

Wimbledon soldier raises thousands in cricket marathon in garden

4. Community group create PPE for key workers

A group of volunteers in Merton raised a staggering £16,431 to produce PPE for hospital and care home staff.

Helpful Engineering formed a group of 15 volunteers who used 3D printers and laser cutters to create visors for frontline staff across the UK.

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In just one week, the skilful volunteers successfully delivered one thousand visors to hospital workers with the help of their fundraiser.

Katie Meech, Founder of Helpful Engineering UK, said the group were inspired by the first applaud for NHS and wanted to help hospital workers more directly.

Community group appeal

5. Sisters do 1000 skips a day to fundraise for NHS

Lottie Cleaver, 9, and Emily Cleaver, 14, of New Malden, set themselves the challenge of 1000 skips a day each, after seeing fundraising efforts on the news.

Older sister, Emily, said they endured the tough challenge as a tribute to their family members who work for the NHS.

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They successfully completed the challenge after reaching 100,000 skips (between April to July 25).

Their fundraiser reached £1,150 at the time of publishing.

Sisters fundraise for NHS

6. Woman praised by hospital staff after reaching thousands in PPE fundraiser

32-year-old Terri and her friend raised a whopping £8,010 to purchase and supply PPE for staff at Epsom and St Helier Hospitals.

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Over the weeks, Terri delivered thousands of stock including; hand sanitizer, shower gel, medical gowns, hand cream, gloves, goody bags and much more.

Terri fundraised between March 25 and April 19.

Friends praised by hospital staff after PPE fundraiser

7. Wimbledon Tennis chef completes 24-hour 'bakeathon'

Rebecca Marshman-Rondeau, 27, completed a 'bakeathon' to treat frontline staff whilst also fundraising for National Marine Aquarium.

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Rebecca created cakes, tray bakes, cookies and biscuits to deliver to frontline staff across UK hospitals, including, St Georges Hospital and Great Ormond Street.

She raised a tremendous £5,162 ( at the time of publishing ) to help the aquarium survive the outbreak, after they was forced to close due to the pandemic.

The 'bakeathon' which was filmed live on YouTube, took place on June 29 at 8.00 am, until June 30, 8.00 am.

Wimbledon Tennis chef completes 'bakeathon' for 'incredible NHS'

8. Man with MS completes 1000 pull ups for Sutton charity

Robert Griffiths, 28, from Cheam, decided to do 1000 pull-ups to help give back to the charity, which has helped him manage his MS.

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Robert started his challenge on May 13 and completed the challenge on May 29.

His fundraiser has reached £1,351 for MS Society Sutton at the time of publsihing.

Sutton man with MS completes 1000 pull ups

9. Transplant survivor completes marathon for St Helier Hospital

Lisa Laing, 50, walked and peddled the total distance of 1084 miles in her back garden to raise money for the NHS.

The 50-year-old who has received two kidney transplants raised £680 by May 18.

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Money raised was donated to ICU and the renal unit at St Helier.

kidney transplant survivor launches fundraiser for NHS

10. Merton nurse launches mental health fundraiser

A nurse set up a fundraising page in a bid to fund psychological support for health professionals on the frontline.

Chloe Cruickshank, 29, of Colliers Wood, hopes the fundraiser will provide support for those working in the 'trenches' during the outbreak.

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The 29-year-old has raised £1,314 at the time of publishing.

Merton nurse raises over £1k in mental health fundraiser

If you would like to nominate a fundraiser to be featured on our Facebook page, email us at monica.charsley@newsquest.co.uk