He’s already the pride of Cornwall – and now Fred Thomas, aka Betty Stogs, is well on his way to being recognised nationally after winning a place in the finals of the Pride of Britain Awards.
Fred, who fundraises across Cornwall as his alter ego Betty Stogs, was yesterday named Regional Pride of Britain Fundraiser of the Year 2023.
He will now head into the finals of the awards, representing the West Country at the national ceremony next month.
Fred has fundraised as Betty since 2007, when he was named the winning applicant in Skinner’s Brewery's search for a Cornish "panto dame" to bring to life the famous face on the label of their best-selling Betty Stogs beer.
Since then he has gone on to fundraise more than £400,000 for charity, with a particular focus on Children’s Hospice South West and the RNLI.
Speaking of his Regional Pride of Britain win on Friday, Fred said: “I am overwhelmed to announce that today I was awarded with the ITV West Country Regional Pride of Britain Fundraiser of the Year 2023 award.
“I feel humbled to have received such an accolade and want to thank all of my followers for their well wishes and support this week and over the last 14 years.
“I have raised over £400,000 for charities close to my heart and am honoured to be able to represent the West Country at the finals in October.”
People from across Cornwall have sent their congratulations, describing the win as “well deserved” and Fred as “a Cornish treasure.”
Skinner’s Brewery posted to say: “Geddon Fred Thomas aka 'Betty'. Well deserved!
“We are so proud of you. Thank you for all that you do for us here at Skinner's and more importantly for the Children's Hospice South West and RNLI.
“It is an honour and a privilege to work with you. We have some cans of Betty, ready and waiting for you.”
Fred initially became the human version of Betty, the mascot for the Skinner’s ale Betty Stogs, to go on tour to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Skinner’s and raise money for their adopted charity, Children's Hospice South West.
READ MORE: Fred Thomas named Skinner's 'search for Betty Stogs' winner
He was well qualified for the role in 2007, having at that time played the dame twice for the Sticker Players pantomime.
At the time Fred said: “It's certainly an unusual part, but I'm very much looking forward to giving it my best shot.
“It should all be good fun and it's in a very good cause. There's no doubting I'm going to have to drink a fair bit, too, but I guess you could say that someone has to do it!'"
Fred proved so successful at the role – and felt so comfortable in Betty’s shoes – that he has continued the character to this day, and shows no signs of stopping.
Who was Betty Stogs
The folklore Betty Stogs character was a native of West Cornwall.
She was described as being “unkempt and lazy”, could never mend her stockings, couldn't knit or cook - and definitely liked her ale!
Her child was taken from her by the "small people," washed in the morning dew and returned.
The shock of it is said to have turned Betty into a reformed character.
With well over a decade of fundraising behind her, laziness is one thing the ‘come-to-life’ Betty could never be accused of!
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