A global foundation is donating about £46,000 to three Isle of Man charities after a Douglas-based Zurich International employee won an award.

The annual Zurich Foundation Community Champion Awards recognise and celebrate employees who work in their local community.

Regional winners receive US$20,000 (or local currency equivalent) per year for three years to donate to community organisations of their choice.

Employees nominate colleagues and the winners are decided by a panel of judges.

Serena Wood, who is unit pricing manager and works at Zurich International’s office at Isle of Man Business Park on the outskirts of Douglas, was chosen from thousands of nominees from countries in the Zurich Group’s Europe, Middle East and Africa region.

Over many years she has raised thousands for women’s cancer charities through her passion for photography and cycling, and she is also the joint founder (with her sister Melanie Dowling) of the annual ’Paint the Plantation Pink’ mountain bike event.

Mrs Wood has chosen to donate the prize, which is awarded in American dollars, to three local charities - Manx Breast Cancer Support Group will receive US$30,000, while Alzheimer’s Society Isle of Man and Bridge The Gap will each receive US$15,000.

The money will be paid over the next three years.

To celebrate her achievement, Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney invited Mrs Wood and members of her family to Government House.

Guests also included representatives from the three charities receiving donations, plus Mark Hartigan, head of operations for the Europe, Middle East and Africa region at Zurich Insurance Group; Peter Huber the chief executive of Zurich International, Nigel Simpson, the commercial director of Zurich International and John Spellman, non-executive director of Zurich International.

Mrs Wood said: ’My decision to choose the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group was inspired by my mother, who was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was in her 50s.

’It’s very important for cancer to be diagnosed as early as possible, and thanks to the work of the support group and the excellent medical team at the Manx Breast Unit at Noble’s Hospital, cancer treatment is improving on the island.

’But medical science is advancing all of the time, so it’s vital that consultants have access to the latest diagnostic technology.’

Mrs Wood is also passionate about care for people with dementia, and wanted to support an initiative for younger people, hence the donations to Alzheimer’s Society Isle of Man and Bridge The Gap.

Peter Huber, the chief executive of Zurich International, congratulated Mrs Wood on her award, and presented her with a trophy to commemorate the achievement.

He said: "The Zurich Foundation Community Champion awards seek to help communities build a more resilient tomorrow by tackling some of society’s biggest challenges.

’It’s a recognition of the importance Zurich, and our employees, place upon investing in the communities in which we live and work.

’In 2017 around one in three Zurich Insurance Group employees volunteered in their local communities, and the number of volunteers is increasing.

’To be chosen from so many community spirited employees illustrates the scale of Serena’s achievement.

’I’m delighted to present the EMEA Region Community Champion Award to the first ever winner from the Isle of Man.’