AN INSPIRTATIONAL Kidderminster diabetes campaigner will be honoured this month when he receives one of the country’s highest accolades – a British Citizen Award (BCA).

Fred Holland, 80, will receive the British Citizen Award medal at Westminster Palace on January 26, for his services to healthcare.

Mr Holland first became aware of the critical need to improve local diabetes services following his daughter Vivienne’s type one diabetes diagnosis in 1971. He formed the Wyre Forest branch of the British Diabetic Association in the same year and has continued to be its chairman since.

His achievements were acknowledged in 2012 when the Kidderminster Hospital’s diabetes unit was named after him.

Since then, Fred has dedicated much of his time to raising funds and awareness to help improve the lives of people living with diabetes. Over the years, he has also helped many other good causes, including the Kidderminster Carnival and a campaign raising money to send a young leukaemia patient to Disneyland.

His fundraising efforts have seen him organise races, discos, coffee mornings, car boot sales and other events - including a sponsored walk from Kidderminster to Rhyl.

It is estimated Fred has raised nearly £2 million for good causes over the last 58 years and the inspirational great-grandfather shows no signs of slowing down. Last year, he organised a local schools' choir competition in memory of his late wife, Shirley - who died in 2014.

His services to diabetes care were recognised in 2014 when he became the first British person to receive an award from the International Diabetes Federation. His award was noted by the then Prime Minister, David Cameron, who wrote to him, telling him it was an 'amazing achievement' and that Fred was 'an inspiration to others'.

Fred was nominated for the BCA by Kidderminster Hospital Chaplain, Reverend Guy Hewlett.

Mr Holland said: “I feel a bit funny about the award. I really am excited - it’s amazing.

"I feel it is my dedication in life to help others and to help save lives by improving diabetes awareness and care.

“After all these years this happens, it is just amazing. I thought it was a hoax.

"When I was 12, I saved two babies from a straw fire. I got slightly burned, but it has always stayed with me and I have always wanted to help others - I think that was where it started.

"I realised when my daughter was diagnosed that there was absolutely nothing for diabetes patients in the area and I wanted to change it.

"In the beginning, there was two nurses working out of what was like a broom cupboard. We now have what I believe is some of the best diabetes care and facilities in the world.

“It is amazing to receive this award. - I had a shock when I received the phone call. It is a big honour.

"I turned 80 in September, and I am always busy - but I have got no intention of slowing down just yet.”

Rev Hewlett added: “Fred is an absolute marvel.

"If anyone needed a thank you for all the work he has done, it would be Fred.

“He is a very special man who never knows when to stop.”

The British Citizen Awards were launched in 2015 to recognise individuals who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a positive impact on society.