Our very own superstar shone bright recently at the prestigious British Citizen Awards, dubbed “The People’s Honours”.
Our inspirational founder, and tireless charity fundraiser, Andrew Baker was honoured last Thursday with a British Citizen Award for his services to volunteering and charitable giving (BCAv).
The British Citizen Award (BCA) launched in January, 2015, to recognise exceptional individuals who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a positive impact on society. BCAs are given twice annually, and recognise ‘everyday’ people whose achievements to their communities may otherwise be overlooked.
Andy was nominated by Linda Latter and the award recognises the huge impact and positive contribution he has had in Oxfordshire, helping Oxford Children’s Hospital, Headway Oxfordshire, and other causes through his dedication to fundraising for good causes, over the past fifteen years, raising over £70,000 in funds through events including football tournaments.
Andy, 29, has dedicated half of his life since the age of 14 to raising money for good causes, inspired to begin giving back to thank medical teams in Oxford for the childhood treatment he received after being born with a brain injury, and undergoing brain surgery aged 12.
In 2007 Andy created Play2Give (P2G), to continue the good work he began in raising funds for the new Oxford Children’s Hospital while a pupil at St Birinus School in Didcot.
Across the past fifteen years, Andy has raised over £70,300 including more than £40,000 for the children’s hospital, which has helped to fund a patient room treating teenagers facing long term hospital stays, medical equipment, toys and facilities, as well as Headway Oxfordshire, and other healthcare causes.
Along with 29 other worthy recipients from all corners of the United Kingdom, Andy was presented with a specially struck medal inscribed with the words ‘For the Good of the Country’, and a framed certificate of honour.
The ceremony last Thursday at the Palace of Westminster followed by an open top lap bus of honour and a presentation at Church House, was hosted by patrons of the British Citizen Award, The Rt. Hon. The Lord Dholakia OBE DL and Dame Mary Perkins, founder of Specsavers. Medals and certificates were presented by sponsors of the award.
The event which opened with an afternoon tea in the Cholmondeley room and terrace was hosted by TV presenter Michael Underwood, who started “Having presented the very first British Citizen Awards, it’s a real honour to be invited back and a privilege. I am in awe learning more about the incredible people being recognised for their contribution to society.”
A sponsor of Play2Give, Go Green Taxis, kindly transported Andy, his mum, Ann, and Linda to and London and back to play a part in his special day.