He was announced as the winner at a ceremony hosted by BBC’s Dan Walker at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge hotel earlier this month.
The Local Hero Award, sponsored by SIG Roofing, was introduced this year to recognise individuals who go above and beyond to support their local community.
Lee said: “It was very humbling to be nominated. It was a great feeling on the day and very surprising.
“It didn’t even cross my mind that I would win it, I just went along for a nice day out.
“I’d like to say thank you to anyone who nominated me and all who are a part of my group, Farnham Rants. They are a generous bunch!”
When Lee was included on the shortlist for the award, a post was put on the Facebook page and “the nominations just poured through” according to Gail Whattingham, owner of the Farnham Christmas Lights House and Olympic torchbearer.
Since Gail’s long-time companion Chris Meacham died last year, Lee has stepped up to the plate by offering the use of his cherry picker to put up the Christmas lights and helped to raise money for a new set of lights.
Gail added: “If it wasn’t for Lee last Christmas we wouldn’t have got the lights done - nothing is too much trouble for him. He’s brilliant.”
Lee has been raising funds for Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice, as well as other good causes, for many years through both Farnham Rants and by taking on a number of challenges including Tough Mudder, London to Brighton, Palace to Palace and The Sunrise Walk annually. He is currently planning to run the width of England with his friend Paul Blizzard.
Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice is a charity close to Lee’s heart after losing his uncle to lung cancer and a friend to a brain tumour - both were in their early 30s and had end-of-life care in the hospice.
Lee said: “Everyone locally has a story or knows someone who has been touched or affected by the amazing care from Phyllis Tuckwell and their staff. People respond well to donating to this charity.”
The full list of winners and finalists is available at www.roofingawards.co.uk.