KANE Gunter has been named as Knutsford’s Community Hero for 2012.

The 46-year-old born and bred Knutsfordian was selected by the three judges who all deemed Kane a worthy winner for his efforts in bringing the community together and his fundraising for charity.

Sponsor Equilibrium Asset Management has donated the prize, which will see Kane being awarded £500 for himself as well as £500 for his nominated charity, the Royal Signals Benevolent Fund.

The two people who nominated Kane, Daniel Millan and Carol Gunter will pick up £100 each.

Kane, who spent 12 years in the army as a member of the Royal Corps of Signals, told the Guardian he had raised £20,000 for charity in five years.

“I was a little bit taken aback when I was told and it’s a humbling experience,” he said.

“When I saw all the names in the Guardian, just to be in the same list was very humbling.

“Like most people I had always put a few coins in the charity tins but when you are working you don’t have the time to organise events.

“But after my last accident in 2006 I didn’t want to be one of those people sits at home watching TV all day so I decided to do these events.

“To try and make a charity work it is very difficult in comparison to working but I’ve got the whole of Knutsford to thank for helping me.

“I’d like to thank the community support and everyone involved but I’d like to thank the following pubs; the Falcon Bearer, the Red Cow, the Conservative Club, the Angel, the Cross Keys, the Oaks and the Red Lion at Pickmere.

“They have constantly been there and always helped and they have given me ongoing support.”

Colin Lawson, managing partner at Equilibrium, said: “Kane is a worthy winner and typifies what is required to be a real community hero.

“His tireless work has made a tangible difference in bringing the local community together and his charity fundraising activities benefit the young and old alike. I am particularly impressed by the way Kane has turned around personal adversity for the benefit of local families and many worthwhile charities and I am pleased to say Equilibrium Asset Management will make a donation of £500 to Kane’s chosen charity, the Royal Signals Benevolent Fund, on his behalf.

“Kane will also pick up a well-deserved £500 personal prize.

“I would also like to congratulate our short listed nominees who are all community heroes in their own way. Each and every one is worthy of recognition for the selfless work they do on behalf of others and the town. Knutsford should be proud of these fantastic people.”

Clr Stewart Gardiner, Knutsford town mayor, added: “When I was reading the nominations, Kane’s jumped off the page for me.

“I found the voting quite difficult and all deserve recognition but there could only be one winner and it was Kane’s story that sold it for me.”

Keith Morris, editor of the Guardian, said: “Kane is a very worthy winner and deserves to be named Knutsford’s Community Hero.

“I was impressed with the hard work and dedication he has shown in his community fundraising activities.”

Kane’s next fundraising football match in aid of Help For Heroes takes place at Egerton Youth Club on Sunday, March 25 at 2pm. Kane added he wanted to thank Mike Walker and Mark Burton for their help in ensuring the match between a team from 2nd Battalion Yorkshire Regiment and Manchester Metropolitan University takes place.

Congratulate Kane on our website at knutsfordguardian.co.uk or on our Facebook page.