A woman has been awarded an esteemed accolade following her fashion-focused tribute to her late mother, which has raised more than 10 times the original fundraising target.

Caroline Jones, 46, of Harpenden, is wearing clothes solely from charity shops for a year in a bid to raise money and awareness for Cancer Research UK (CRUK).

The mum of three was awarded the Pioneer of the Year commendation in the Flame of Hope awards organised by CRUK last Tuesday (16).

She originally wanted to raise £1,000, but the total is now over £11,000 and Caroline has increased her target to £36,500- £100 for every day of her project.

She said: “I’ve been overwhelmed by the response from people, I never ever thought it would get this big. I think people have really connected with the posts on Twitter and Facebook. It never would have been possible without the power of social media.”

She was given the award at the CRUK shop in Harpenden, where her mother used to volunteer.

“I am so honoured and touched to have been given this award. It came as a real shock.”

The project began in January following a tough Christmas without her mother.

“I had a really difficult Christmas and on New Year’s Eve I was reflecting on what I could do, and I had this idea.

“She was like a best friend and we both loved fashion. She would have absolutely loved this.”

She posts her outfits daily on social media and has gained a following from across the globe, racking up more than 8,500 ‘likes’ on her Facebook page.

Caroline has made headlines in national and international news and appeared on Loose Women earlier in the year.

She has also been filmed by Alex James as part of a documentary, which is currently top secret.

Caroline was also recently invited to one of CRUK’s research centres to give a speech and see where the money was going.

She said: “It was really moving to be there. It made me realise the money we’re raising is making such a difference. They were so kind to me.”

Caroline was very keen to point out that the CRUK shop in Harpenden is desperate for volunteers.

She added: “They are always looking for people to help out, so please do get in touch.”

The fashionista is planning a charity fashion show for later in the year, where she will then auction off her full wardrobe.

You can sponsor Caroline by visiting: www.justgiving.com/knickers-models-own/.

‘Like’ her facebook page here: www.facebook.com/Knickersmodelsown?fref=ts.