During the NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) 2018 UK Roofing Awards, sponsored by SIG Roofing, charity-minded Surrey roofer, Lee Moran, has been crowned the nation’s top ‘Local Hero’. Part of the Moran Roofing Specialists business, Lee was recognised for his years of fundraising for the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice, which cares for terminally ill people, as well as other good causes.

“It was really pleasing to be nominated for the Local Hero Award and a massive surprise to actually win it,” said Lee Moran.

The ‘Local Hero’ Award is a new category, introduced for this year’s edition, which celebrates the fantastic work many roofers do in their local communities. Lee has been raising funds since 2012 and he received an unprecedented number of nominations for his many charity works.

A Facebook page set up by him, ‘Farnham Rants’, has raised so far more than £10,000 for the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice. As well as managing the Facebook group, he regularly takes on tough challenges such as the Palace to Palace cycle ride, from Windsor Castle to Buckingham Palace.

“I set it up to encourage light-hearted banter and build an online community where I gently persuade people to take out an advertisement with the money donated to Phyllis Tuckwell,” said Lee about Farnham Rants, which has attracted more than 19,500 members.

Lee has also raised money for the Shooting Star Chase children’s hospice and the British Heart Foundation. In addition, he has tackled the London to Brighton Cycle Ride and the Tough Mudder obstacle challenge, both on numerous occasions, to raise funds. Now he is planning a ‘width of England’ cycle marathon for 2019.

Moran Roofing Specialists, which has a workforce of 10, was established in the 1960s by Lee’s grandfather Mick. Lee’s father, Darryl, took over in 1981 and now, with his father aiming to retire, Lee has become the third generation of Morans to run the business.