Andy Macklin

I have known Andy for many years and have always admired his dedication to the Wheatcheaf Trust, a local charity where he teaches young offenders and helps them by passing on his construction industry skills. Many of these youngsters have little hope of future employment but with Andy's encouragement and enthusiasm their future opportunities in the workplace are vastly improved. Despite suffering poor health himself and having had to undergo many operations on his legs as a result of lifelong diabetes he spends as many hours as possible helping these disadvantaged youngsters. Being registered disabled he often struggles with his own mobility but always manages to stay cheerful and focused whilst looking for ways of supporting his chosen charities. Personally I have been astonished at some of the sponsored activities Andy has completed particularly as many able bodied people would find them daunting - challenges which to date have included parachute jumping and white water canoeing and over the years by setting this example he's raised many hundreds of pounds for his sponsors. Hence I am delighted to nominate Andy for this brilliant opportunity.