A WOMAN who raised £200,000 for Cancer Research UK has been praised by Prime Minister David Cameron for her outstanding efforts.

Julie Guthrie, from Billericay, was given the Point of Light award from Mr Cameron for raising the cash by selling flowers at Race for Life events.

Her fundraising has helped to fund research into treatment for sarcoma, a rare form of cancer.

Julie’s efforts were motivated after she lost of a close relative to sarcoma.

She said: “The flowers have generated sufficient money to fund three research projects, of this I am immensely proud.”

Julie and her 15 helpers have become known as Jules’ Jewels.

Julie orders the flowers to her home and arranges the bunches, which are sold at Race for Life events throughout the country.

Her flower selling funds vital sarcoma research, aiming to beat the cancer that develops in the supporting tissues of the body such as muscle, bone, nerves, cartilage, tendons and blood vessels. The Points of Light awards recognise outstanding volunteers who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.

Mr Cameron said: “Julie is an exceptional woman who, after losing a close relative to sarcoma, was determined to do what she could to stop this happening to anyone else.

“Her wonderful idea of selling flowers has raised an incredible amount of money to fund the vital efforts to beat this rare cancer and she has inspired people around the country to join her.

“I am delighted to be able to recognise Julie’s fundraising with this Point of Light award.”

Basildon and Billericay MP John Baron said: “I congratulate Julie on her award, which recognises the contribution she has made to her local community through her volunteering.

We wish her well.”

Julie is the 288th winner of the accolade, which has been developed in partnership with the hugely successful Points of Light programme in the USA. It was first established by President George H. W. Bush.