A philanthropic business couple who have dedicated their spare time to raising millions of pounds for local charities over the years have been nominated for a Merton Community Award.

Husband and wife Paul and Irene Strank host dozens of events every year, culminating in their gala evening in September, which last year raised more than £70,000 for the 11 charities in Merton they support on a regular basis.

Wimbledon Times:

Paul and Irene Strank collect their business award from Raymond Kinsella, left, in 2013

On average, the team at Paul Strank Roofing Ltd raise about £200,000 a year by selling cakes, taking over local restaurants to have charity dinners and hosting barbecues.

Mr Strank received an MBE for services to business and the community in Merton and south London in 2013, the same year the business won the Business category of the first ever Merton Community Awards, formerly known as the Civic Awards.

Mrs Strank said she was shocked and surprised to have been nominated in the Community category.

She said: “Thank you to all the people that support us and have supported us over the years.

“Without them we couldn’t help the kids and do what we do.

“I would like to thank my staff, who give up their time for free and work long hours on fundraising.”

The company supports 11 charities including Children in Need, the Commonside Trust, Young Carers Merton and AgeUK Merton.

Paul Strank Roofing Ltd is based in Weir Road, Wimbledon, and was set up in 1969 by Mr Strank in Merton.

They now have a client list of thousands for the roofing, scaffolding and builders merchant suppliers business, which works with the trade and public.

This year’s Merton Community Awards, previously known as the Merton Civic Awards, launched on Thursday, May 5.

It is run by this newspaper in association with Merton Council.

Nominate someone by voting online at www.wimbledonguardian.co.uk/mca or fill out a form in the Wimbledon Guardian newspaper.