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New award for fundraiser, Simon Kindleysides

Simon Kindleysides, who became the first paralysed man to walk the London Marathon, has been honoured for his latest fundraising efforts which raised £14,000 for the N&N Hospitals Charity.

Simon set himself a goal to walk four miles every day of February this year, wearing a specially-made exoskeleton suit.

His challenge saw him take 8,000 steps each day and a total of 224,000 across the month. His amazing story was picked up by news outlets across the world, including Israel and Germany where a film crew followed him during a day of walking.

Last week, Simon won the Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year category at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising (East Anglia) Awards after he was nominated by the N&N Hospitals Charity.

Head of Fundraising Louise Cook said: “We are absolutely delighted for Simon winning this award in recognition of everything he has done to raise money for the charity.

“Not only did he set himself a gruelling challenge, inspiring so many others, but he also raised awareness of our charity and the work we do to support our hospitals.”

The money raised by Simon will support the Critical Care Unit at the N&N Hospital and the new planned children’s operating theatre project.

Simon was a dancer and a restaurant manager but in 2013 was diagnosed with a brain tumour and functional neurological disorder that left him paralysed from the waist down.

He said: “I was sitting at home doing nothing and I just wanted to do something to support the NHS and in particular, the teams at the NNUH, and I will be walking various four-mile routes through Norwich during the month.

“This lockdown is driving everyone crazy, mentally and physically so I wanted to push myself again.”

For more information about the N&N Hospitals Charity, go to https://nnhospitalscharity.org.uk/

CrombieNew award for fundraiser, Simon Kindleysides