A FARNHAM fundraiser, who has recently poured her energies into raising money for Cathy French, the local girl suffering from cancer, has been rewarded for her charity work on a festive edition of Cilla Black's Surprise, Surprise.
Gail Whattingham was completely oblivious to her "starring role" and assumed she would just be a member of the audience watching people being united with their families.
However, she soon found out that she was to join Cilla on the famous sofa, where her fundraising efforts will praised in front of millions of viewers on Boxing Day.
Gail has been an enthusiastic fundraiser and recently the plight of Cathy French became a priority.
The cause is particularly close to her heart as Cathy is the best friend of family friend Clare Othon.
Gail's house in Greenfield Road was recently decorated in lavish style for Christmas.
The house was filmed by GMTV and featured in a national newspaper, to raise money for the appeal.
As Secretary of Farnham Park Golf Club, Gail dedicated the club's annual charity golf day to the Cathy French appeal in the summer. This proved a great success despite the torrential rain.
Mrs Whattingham will also be appearing on Esther Rantzen's talk show, Esther, where she hopes to mention the plight of Cathy French and get publicity for the fundraising effort.