Raju Sundavadra, who runs SPAR Belmont together with her husband Ram, has won a Special Recognition accolade at the Fed Awards run by the Federation of Independent Retailers.
She received a standing ovation from attendees at the ceremony held in Birmingham and has been described as an inspiration.
Raju and Ram have owned their SPAR store in Belmont’s High Street for 35 years after buying it in 1989.
In that time, they have always been very active in their community supporting the church, local schools, and other initiatives with fundraising events and giveaways.
The Covid-19 pandemic brought their community work to a new level, and Raju, supported by Ram and the dedicated staff at SPAR Belmont, took it upon herself to pack up and deliver food parcels to anyone in the local area who needed help and was unable to leave their house.
Raju worked actively in the store until 2021 when, unfortunately, she suffered a stroke. This initially left her bed bound, and then requiring the use of a wheelchair for mobility.
She regained the ability to walk again after two years of intensive recovery through the NHS and her local neurological rehabilitation centre NeuroActiveUK.
This has not stopped Raju from being there for the community, and she still actively works behind the scenes at SPAR Belmont while continuing to support local good causes.
These include NeuroActiveUK, where she has channelled her energy into supporting them with events and raising money, particularly for charities such as the Stroke Association.
Raju is preparing for her latest fundraising effort, a NeuroActiveUK group ascent of Sunderland Wall on Saturday 3rd August, and any donations can be made to the effort here.
Raju said: “It was a complete surprise, and it was humbling to win the Special Recognition Award. Ram and I have always seen what we do for the community as part of being a local SPAR retailer, so I am honoured to be recognised for this work.
“Ever since we bought the store, we have always had an ethos of putting the customer first, and we are fortunate we are in a position where we can help people in the local area.
“I must thank our amazing staff as well who have bought into our commitment to helping the community. During the pandemic, every single member of staff helped during what was a very stressful time. It was incredible how everyone banded together, and some of the younger members of our store team are a credit to young people.
“I wouldn’t be where I am now without family, friends and the community around helping with each and every step I take, and my next challenge is topping this wall!”
SPAR Belmont is serviced by James Hall & Co. Ltd, SPAR UK’s primary retailer, wholesaler, and distributor for the North of England.
For more information about James Hall & Co. Ltd, please visit www.jameshall.co.uk.
