A KIDDERMINSTER man has been called a “superhero” volunteer by a national charity.

Fred Holland, 77, was featured in the Diabetes UK annual report in recognition of his 44 years of campaigning and fundraising for sufferers of the condition.

The document stated Mr Holland had made “Kidderminster a better place to live for anyone affected by diabetes” through his “momentous efforts”.

It continued: “Already a keen fundraiser, Mr Holland became especially aware of the critical need to improve local diabetes services following his daughter Vivienne’s type 1 diabetes diagnosis in 1971.

“From setting up a local support group to raising more than £140,000 for Diabetes UK, his persistent dedication has made Kidderminster’s diabetes centre among the best equipped in the West Midlands.

“He is now helping other hospitals nearby achieve the same standard.”

Mr Holland, whose achievements were acknowledged when the Kidderminster diabetes unit was named after him, said: “I am very, very proud to have appeared in the Diabetes UK annual report and proud for the whole team.

“When I first got to see the case study in print I felt really emotional.”

In 2013 Mr Holland was one of four finalists in the ITV Midlands Local Hero of the Year awards, which are part of the prestigious Pride of Britain initiative, while earlier this year he was named Healthcare Hero by the BBC in Hereford and Worcester.

He will also receive an award from the International Diabetes Foundation in November.