East Leake resident Sam Perkins was invited to Parliament by Ruth Edwards to receive a Point of Light award this week.
Points of Light are outstanding individual volunteers – people who are making a change in their community.
Every weekday the Prime Minister recognises an inspirational volunteer with the daily Points of Light award.
Sam was given the award in recognition of the incredible work he has done to raise money to research cures and treatments for Motor Neurone Disease.
Point of Lights awards are usually presented by their local MP but in recognition of Sam’s incredible work, Ruth invited him down to Parliament so the Prime Minister could present it in person.
Ruth nominated Sam to be a Point of Light after meeting him and his wife Emma, to discuss the charity that they have founded; Stand Against MND.
After being diagnosed with MND, Sam and his charity have raised over £190,000 to date through various challenges. These include Sam himself competing in several sporting events, including the Outlaw Triathlon, as well as both the Leeds and London Marathons.
Most of the money raised goes to supporting research, but Sam also made a £10,000 donation to the local hospice LOROS MND team to extend the contract of the team’s only Health Care Assistant by an extra day per week.
On presenting the award, The Prime Minister said:
“It was a privilege to meet Sam and his wife Emma and to present him with his Point of Light award in recognition of all he has done to support people with Motor Neurone Disease.
“Sam has done amazing things, like competing in the London Marathon, to raise awareness about Motor Neurone Disease and money for research into the disease. I want to thank him for all his hard work, he is an inspiration to all of us.”
@westbridgfordwirenews Rushcliffe charity founder Sam Perkins honoured with Point of Light award by Prime Minister. East Leake resident Sam Perkins was invited to Parliament by Ruth Edwards to receive a Point of Light award this week. Points of Light are outstanding individual volunteers – people who are making a change in their community. Every weekday the Prime Minister recognises an inspirational volunteer with the daily Points of Light award. Sam was given the award in recognition of the incredible work he has done to raise money to research cures and treatments for Motor Neurone Disease. Point of Lights awards are usually presented by their local MP but in recognition of Sam’s incredible work, Ruth invited him down to Parliament so the Prime Minister could present it in person. . #rushcliffe #eastleake #ruthedwardsmp #rishisunak #primeminister #primeministeruk #pointsoflightaward #westbridgford #nottingham #nottinghamshire #notts #fyp #foryoupage #ukparliament ♬ original sound – West Bridgford Wire News
Ruth Edwards said:
“I was delighted to be able to nominate Sam for this award. Sam really deserves this recognition, for all the time, energy and passion that he has put into raising money for and awareness of MND.
“His reaction to his diagnosis is remarkable and I admire him and Emma greatly for all they are doing to help others. I look forward to continuing to support Sam and Stand Against MND in any way that I can.”
Sam Perkins said:
“It was an absolute honour to receive my Points of Light award personally from the Prime Minister.
“In our conversation, I could tell he understands the vital importance of research funding to the MND community, and it is truly humbling to be recognised for the difference I have tried to make through Stand Against MND.
“I also want to thank my MP Ruth Edwards for nominating me for this award and also for her continued support.”
