ANTHONY JOSHUA has showed off his caring side once again by honouring members of the public who made a real difference in 2020.
Teaming up with JD Sports, the British heavyweight world champion, 31, paid tribute to some those who made a difference to others’ lives in an horrendous year.
Anthony Joshua has paid tribute to his unsung heroes of 2020 after teaming up with JD SportsCredit: JD Sports
Joshua has frequently shown off his caring side during the pandemicCredit: ©Mark Robinson
With hundreds of nominations submitted, AJ has now picked his ‘true champions’ and reached out to applaud them for their selfless deeds during 12 months living through the coronavirus pandemic.
From food bank volunteers to those who simply kept their family strong in an otherwise devastating 2020, Joshua was full of praise for his final 17 ‘champs’.
JD ambassador Joshua said: “It’s so inspiring to see how many people have gone out of their way to make a difference to other people’s lives and give back.
“2020 wasn’t easy for any of us but reading these stories shows that no matter how tough times can get, the UK can produce some true champions.
“Having JD’s support to make this project happen was a great experience.
“I’m really glad I got to meet the people behind the stories.
“Being a true champion is something that you can’t teach.
“I hope that these inspiring people carry on doing their amazing work throughout 2021 and beyond.”
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FULL CHAMPS HONOURS LIST
Josh Rees – Overcame loss of father and depression to get into university and land dream job
Josie Lewis – Brought out a karaoke machine during every 8pm Clap for Carers celebration to motivate her whole street and completed a 30-day boxing challenge to raise money for charity
Ben Hecks – Personal trainer who was nominated by a client for helping them to walk again after overcoming a stroke
Akeem ‘Riddy’ Ennis-Brown – Overcame two training camp losses to fight his way to becoming UK Commonwealth Champion
Zakarias Tadesse – Has volunteered over 100 hours for charity across food banks, community gardens, social action projects and footballing sessions
Eve Remmington – Helped out in volunteer kitchen, as well as delivering food to vulnerable people alongside university studies and a part-time job at JD
Ellie Budenberg – Volunteers for the Digital Buddies programme helping people who struggle with technology issues during lockdown
Lou Otto – Quit her job and moved in to take care of her grandad for two weeks before he passed away
Jake Gamban – Looked after and supported his girlfriend who suffers from mental health issues and her three kids, whilst also helping her grieve her brothers passing
Megan Grimes – Mental health nurse for the NHS who continued to give the best possible care to new mothers suffering with mental health problems and their babies
Shruti Saujani – Nominated by her local community for going over and above to ensure peoples wellbeing during the pandemic, bringing a smile to the people who have lost so much
Leon Weaver – Nominated by his sister for helping her cope during her hospitalisation and the passing of their father, all while caring for his sick mother
Reis Anderson – Nominated by his girlfriend for taking care of her and her grandmother during the pandemic whilst coping with his own job loss
Tyler Didwell – Worked at Norfolk and Norwich Hospital as a mechanical engineer during the pandemic whilst taking care of his nan and mum
Beni Panda – Started a grassroots football team that created opportunities to keep young people engaged during the pandemic
Toyah Novak – Nominated by daughter after being diagnosed with brain disease, all whilst looking after her eight children
Stacey Westwood – Teaching assistant who has worked tirelessly to continue to support local vulnerable families during Covid
All of those picked by Joshua received a call from the boxing great.
The reigning heavyweight world champion also hopes to meet up with the chosen few later in the year, when Covid restrictions allow.
Joshua has frequently shown his softer side during the pandemic.
In May 2020, AJ gave his backing to The Sun’s Who Cares Wins awards – insisting brave NHS staff are Britain’s true ‘heroes’.
And In December, he dug deep into his own pockets to keep British amateur boxing alive after clubs across the UK were forced shut by Covid.
*For more details on the Champs Honours winners and the initiative in general, visit the website…
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Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
