Woman nominated for award over amazing fundraising efforts

A north-east woman who has raised more than £50,000 for good causes has been nominated for a Pride of Buchan Award.

Councillor Jim Ingram put forward his nomination for Janice Mutch at a meeting of the Buchan Area Committee on Tuesday.

Ms Mutch, who lives in Stuartfield, is behind the Facebook page Mutch4less which she uses to sell donated items with all of the proceeds given to charity.

Over the years she has presented many causes with cash donations, including a total sum of £8000 to the Neurology Ward 40 of Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

Speaking to STV News, Ms Mutch said: “I’m delighted to be nominated.

“This wouldn’t be possible without all the people that donate goods to me, and of course my loyal buyers.

“This is my tenth year of fundraising. During this time I have endured numerous spinal/pelvis surgeries to which I had titanium rods and a cage fitted.

“This greatly affected my quality of life. Running the page was actually a blessing. I needed some distraction from the constant pain and to stop depression.

“Due to Covid most groups haven’t been able to fundraise, so I’m glad the page could step in and help.”

Commenting at the meeting, councillor Ingram said he was “pleased and privileged” to nominate Ms Mutch for the Pride of Buchan Award.

He stated that she has been doing “a great deal of service to the community” over the years.

Cllr Ingram noted that he would see Ms Mutch at the door of many local events such as coffee mornings.

He added: “I think she’s a shining example to many and I think she’s a person that would warrant and appreciate a Pride of Buchan Award.”

The nomination was supported by councillor Anne Simpson and then unanimously backed by the rest of the committee.

By local democracy reporter Kirstie Topp