Community Connectors Award for MS sufferer Nigel Hughes

Nigel Hughes, of Barry, has been presented a Community Connectors Award by digital network provider, Openreach, in recognition of his support for vulnerable neighbours during lockdown.

The retired police officer has multiple sclerosis and limited mobility, but this didn't' stop him from taking on a daily 'walk a mile' challenge over three months - he raised £10,000 for local charities, including Woody's Lodge, St David's Hospice, and Ty Hafan.

Nigel Hughes in his younger police officer days

Mr Hughes said: “Woody’s Lodge is an amazing charity that helps veterans and emergency services personnel, like myself, and has been a huge support to me over the last few years.

"Walking one mile took me 99 days, which I did last summer, as my mobility is very limited. But raising money for Woody’s gave me a reason to try.”

The Community Connectors Awards were launched by Openreach in 2020 to recognise the hard work of people and groups who supported local residents and vulnerable neighbours in lockdown.

More than 130 nominations from MPs across the UK were judged by the panel which included Openreach engineers and former Culture Secretary Baroness Nicky Morgan of Cotes.

Community Connectors winner Nigel Hughes

Chief Executive of Openreach, Clive Selley, said: “We were inspired to launch the Community Connectors Awards by the efforts of our engineering team.

"The stories received from across the country have been inspiring and show how many people are working to make a difference and support their neighbours during lockdown.”

“Nigel hasn’t sought recognition but is a wonderful example to his community.

"I’m delighted and very grateful to be able to thank him for everything he continues to do to support the vulnerable in our society.”

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Mr Hughes was nominated for the Community Connectors Award by Conservative MP Alun Cairns.

Vale MP, Alun Cairns

Mr Cairns said: “I’m so pleased that Nigel Hughes, a retired police office with multiple sclerosis, challenged himself to walk a mile for Woody’s Lodge throughout lockdown.

"A huge thank you to Openreach for rightly recognising Nigel for his efforts."

As key workers, Openreach engineers have connected numerous field hospitals up and down the UK within days, also performing vital maintenance to keep families and businesses online and in contact during lockdown.

Members of the engineering team have also camped out in remote parts of the UK to ensure local connectivity and volunteered in their spare time – performing roles including as delivery drivers for NHS blood supplies.