Sheffield man's quest for charity earns him community award

Jake Johnson, of Stannington, had travelled from Singapore to Sheffield on a pushbike in a space of 11 months to raise funds for Newlife, a charity for disabled children as part of his trip.

The charity has funded special needs equipment for his 22-year-old sister, Lottie who is suffering from sclerosis and cerebral palsy, among many other conditions.

“I was really surprised about the win. I didn’t know I was going to get any award. I was so humbled to win it and it’s a lovely thing,” he said.

He said although he never expected to be awarded for raising the funds, the win could inspire and motivate others to get out of their comfort zone and go on an adventure.

“It is good to know what I’ve done has been inspirational and it has made other people getting involved in some of the things that I did.

“Maybe it will inspire people to live a bit more adventurous,” he laughed.

The Moor Community Award is a campaign to recognise unsung heroes throughout the city where the winners will be given monetary rewards of £250 to help with their cause.

The campaign is in association with Aberdeen Standard Investment (ASI), which owns The Moor.

Jake, who has so far raised £3368 of £5000 target, said the cash prize will go towards the charity.

“I am going to donate it to Newlife, the charity I’ve been raising money for. It provides mobility equipment to children with different needs and their families.”

Jake also received two movie tickets, a popcorn and a drink courtesy of The Light Cinema.

Centre Manager for The Moor Sheffield, Amanda Phillips said Jake was a worthy winner and described his cause as “inspirational and selfish”.

“It was something he was doing for others and it was quite an interesting thing to do to raise money.

“I thought it was a no-brainer. What he’s done was a brilliant thing and I’m really proud of him,” she said.

Jake is currently working on documenting his journey in a book that recounts his adventures to inspire armchair adventurers and those who are interested in big changes.

“The book is coming along okay, about 55 pages in. I’ve written the main structure of the book, I just need to fill it with more stuff,” he said.

Jake set off from Singapore on January 1 this year and arrived back in Sheffield on November 2.

The Star is now looking for another unsung hero who deserves to take the spotlight as Sheffield’s next community champion.

To nominate a winner, the public are welcome to email [email protected] and tell us who you have picked up and why, where they are from and include contact details.