Nottingham Forest fan raises thousands of pounds for charity and wins prestigious award
There were over 18,000 public nominations this year followed by over 50,000 votes between all award finalists
A man from Nottingham has been recognised for his charity work at a national awards ceremony.
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Sam Perkins, 41, was awarded Outstanding Commitment Winner 2024 at GoCardless JustGiving Awards, after raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for his charity, Stand Against MND.
Sport continues to play an important part in Sam’s life.
He is a keen Nottingham Forest supporter and he continues to embrace activity using a specially adapted racing car.
Formerly a keen Ironman triathlete, Sam was diagnosed with MND in 2019 after suffering shortness of breath and being admitted to hospital with pneumonia because he was unable to clear fluid from lungs.
The aggressive nature of the disease meant Sam’s condition quickly deteriorated and left him relying on a ventilator to breathe. He lost all movement in the months that followed.
Despite this, Sam never lost his zest for life and with a strong family and support network behind him, he launched his charity Stand Against MND in 2020, to raise funds into finding a cure. To date the charity has raised more than £260,000.
Last July, a flagship event took place where Sam, with the help of his supporters, was pushed around the final leg of the Outlaw Triathlon in Nottingham.
With Sam’s former team-mate Steph, who is part of the support team in London, swimming 1.2 miles, and stepfather Nick cycling 56 miles, a cast of willing pushers including former players of Sam’s beloved Nottingham Forest, helped Sam complete an emotional 13.1 miles in his adapted racing chair.
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Sam was one of eight winners announced at the ceremony at the Roundhouse in London, with his award presented to him by ITV’s Loose Women presenter Sunetra Sarker.
Overall, there were more than 18,000 public nominations this year followed by over 50,000 votes between all award finalists.
Sam said: “I am absolutely over the moon to have won this award.
“It’s fantastic recognition not just for myself but for the whole MND community.
“Raising and keeping awareness high is a constant challenge, and this accolade can only help us to do that.
“I’m so grateful to everyone who voted, and of course my incredible supportive team of family, friends and supporters, without whom I would not be able to do what I do - it is genuinely a huge team effort.
“There are so many people out there, doing the most amazing things for such important causes.
“To be picked out as someone who has displayed outstanding commitment amongst so many is a huge shock.
“I think it will take a while to sink in. I’m very honoured to be taking this trophy home, it’s really special.”
Between the 21 finalists and Special Recognition Award winner at this year’s GoCardless JustGiving Awards over £16 million has been raised for good causes.
This year’s finalists were shortlisted by a panel of nine judges including professional strictly dancer Amy Dowden, broadcaster Adele Roberts, TV personality Jake Quickenden, Paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds, TV presenter Sunetra Sarker and returning judge, radio presenter Rickie Haywood-Williams.
They were also joined by JustGiving president, Pascale Harvie, and managing director at headline sponsor GoCardless, Pat Phelan.
However, it was the 50,000 votes cast by the public that led to the final winners being selected.
As well as the celebrity judges, the star-studded event was hosted by British broadcaster Rylan Clark and attended by celebrities including ITV’s Charlotte Hawkins, Celebrity Big Brother and Netflix’s Bradley Riches, Love Island’s Faye Winter and former Olympian Fatima Whitbread.
Lindsey Burrow, wife of the late Rob Burrow was also in attendance to accept a Special Recognition award in her husband’s honour.
Host Rylan said: “It was incredible to host last night’s GoCardless JustGiving awards to celebrate the amazing work the winners and finalists have done this year to raise money for causes close to their hearts. They should all be really proud of themselves!”
Pascale Harvie, President and General Manager of JustGiving said: "Sam is an incredible human being. Despite being diagnosed with such a cruel disease he is bravely channelling all his energy towards helping others.
“We’ve all been blown away by what he and his charity have achieved, and it was our honour to celebrate with him at last night’s awards ceremony.”
Pat Phelan, MD of UK & Ireland and Chief Customer Officer at GoCardless said: "It was an honour to see Sam rewarded for his outstanding efforts at last night’s GoCardless JustGiving Awards. The entire team of judges were incredibly impressed by his commitment to his charity and dedication to raising funds for Motor Neuron Disease."