Preston soldier who completed 48-hour march nominated for award

Soldier James Kirby has been nominated for an award after raising money for BLESMA.

He completed a 48-hour march in memory of his mum who died from coronavirus.

James marched from Preston Flag Market at the Cenotaph to ITC Catterick and back to raise money for BLESMA (which supports veterans who have lost limbs).

The 154 mile march took place on Friday 30 April and James was also carrying 59lbs on his back whilst he completed the challenge.

James has now been shortlisted in the top ten for the Amplifon Brave Britons category 2021 coronavirus hero.

He has reached this stage after being in a group of 300 people also nominated.

James said: “Captain Tom is the current holder (won it last year) so to be put forward for an award won by someone of Captain Tom’s calibre I’m honoured. I had no idea until a couple of weeks ago I was nominated so it was a shock and not something that was intended by doing my march for BLESMA in memory of my mum, I just wanted to clear my mind mentally and give people a better opportunity in life by completing the challenge.

“So to be even nominated of even if I don’t reach the final four to be recognized of the public I’m honoured and thanks to everyone.

“Maybe it reached out to people suffering mental health or people who didn’t have any belief in themselves or went through something similar so they may [have] nominated, I’m really not sure but as long as my challenge, along with the charity it [helped]. If it helped at least one person out I’m really happy.”

Four finalists will be selected in each category and invited to the awards ceremony on Tuesday 5 October.

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Proud Preston. This, and many stories like it, show how the people of Preston are making a difference. Our Proud Preston section showcases all the charitable, kind, uplifting and great things about our city and the people who live here. #ProudPreston is alive and well, and there’s much to celebrate and be proud of, despite the challenging times we all face.