Hull Trains colleague Michael Manders, aka Mike the Knight, was celebrated this week at the 2023 Stephenson Awards ran by Action for Children, the charity Mike fundraises in aid of.
Following a vigorous longlisting and shortlisting process, the diverse panel of judges named Michael the winner in the Supporter Achievement Category.
Action for Children have been running for over 150 years, helping underprivileged children across the UK grow up safe and happy and offering both practical and emotional support to families that need it.
The Stephenson Awards are held annually to recognise the work of the charity’s amazing supporters, volunteers, carers, and staff members, as well as the achievements of the children, young people, and families that they support.
Mike has been a supporter of the charity for many years; just last year he tackled the London Marathon in his full suit of armour raising over £3,000 for the cause.
Mike, On-Board Manager, explained: “It was amazing not only to be nominated, but to actually win the award. Everything you do when you’re fundraising is for the charity and the children, so you never expect the recognition to be for yourself. It means the world to me.”
When asked about his future fundraising endeavours for Action for Children, he said: “I’ve got a lot more in the pipeline, I’m doing the Great North Run in September followed by the Yorkshire Marathon in October and we have a skydive and a cycle from Hull to Paris currently being planned for next year. It’s going to be a busy few months of training!”
Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director of Hull Trains, added: “Mike is so deserving of this recognition. I want to say a huge congratulations from the whole team here at Hull Trains, the work he does for Action for Children is so inspiring and we’re incredibly proud to have him at Hull Trains.”