Sheffield online influencer with stammer wins award for helping others find their voice
“It took me a long time when I was younger to find someone else with a stammer. Now with social media, it gets people to see that they're not alone”
An inspiring social media star with a stammer has won an award for helping others find confidence in their voices.
Sam Bagshaw has been announced as the winner of the JustGiving Awards 2026 in recognition of his Social For Good efforts.
He received an emotional surprise at Sheffield United, with a moving video tribute from children supported by STAMMA, who recorded a special poem thanking him for the difference he's making.
On the announcement of the award, Sam was initially in disbelief that he had won.
“They were talking about someone on social media and I still didn't realise that they were talking about me until they said my name and I was really shocked,” he said.
“It's just an amazing feeling, because I've not really experienced anything like that before.”
Growing up in Sheffield, Sam has cemented himself in his local community. Part of his content shows him going solo to different cafes, restaurants and trying a wide variety of experiences, such as the Sheffield 10k and half marathon.
The star's social media presence first grew through his viral TikTok’s breaking down the misconceptions of living with a stammer when filming himself ordering in restaurants.
“I get a lot of messages and comments from people saying how my videos have really helped them,” he said.
“There will be some people that watch my videos that have got a stammer as well. So I'm just showing that they don't have to hide it, it’s okay.”
From creating the videos himself, Sam’s confidence has improved to the point where he feels he can go out and experience new and different things.
Through his one million following on social media, he aims to help young people who might feel nervous about living with a stammer.
“It took me a long time when I was younger to find someone else with a stammer. Now with social media, it gets people to see that they're not alone,” he said.
“If I was able to watch someone when I was younger, doing my type of videos, I feel that it would have been helpful to me.”
He has received many messages from followers asking how they can help someone with a stammer feel comfortable in a conversation.
“They now know to be patient and not try and guess what I’m going to say. I’m glad to help people with the awareness of how to help someone with a stammer.”
Fundraising for charities supporting people who stammer is another part of his mission. He has run the Brighton Marathon for the cause and hopes to do much to inspire others.
Sam’s ultimate message for people who might be struggling is “if things don’t go well the first time then just try to take the positives” and to surround yourself with the right people.
Looking to the future, Sam aims to give talks in schools to break down the stigma of living with a stammer and work towards his next half marathon.