A WIDNES man is one of only 25 people to be recognised with a British Citizen Award in recognition of their extraordinary efforts.

Jeffrey Scholes BEM will be honoured on Thursday with The British Citizen Award for Services to Volunteering & Charitable Giving at the Palace of Westminster and will receive the coveted Medal of Honour. As a legacy of his achievements, Jeffrey will be invited to use the post-nominals, BCAv.

Jeff has dedicated all of his free time over the past 12 years to volunteering with a variety of organisations including ChildLine for 12 years, Halton Haven Hospice for four years and Destination Florida for nine years. Jeff is also a keen fundraiser, raising more than £100,000 for those charities, and also benefiting Help the Aged, Alder Hey Hospital and many small groups in his local community.

Jeff works nights but gives his spare time freely to help others in his community. In July 2021 Jeff completed a 5km run every day of the month, raising more than £6,000 for Destination Florida, a UK registered charity that funds and takes children with life-threatening illnesses on a holiday of a lifetime. As well as raising thousands of pounds for the charity, Jeff attends as a carer ensuring that their trip is one for their families to remember.

ChildLine has been an important part of Jeff’s volunteering, as a counsellor, he takes calls from children helping them with issues from bullying to suicide. He has devoted over 1,000 direct counselling hours to children and young people and also spends his time mentoring trainee counsellors who are just starting on their ChildLine journey.

He has also cycled from Lands End to John O’ Groats and London to Paris to raise funds for Destination Florida and received the British Empire Medal in 2019 for services to young people.

“This year’s medallists have reminded us of how many amazing people are supporting our communities, especially during these challenging times. At One Stop we serve many communities across the country, and we know how important voluntary work is to support those in need. We're proud to be partnering with the BCA again and to play a small part in helping each medallist to be recognised. Our congratulations go to all honourees”, said Jonny McQuarrie, from BCA partner One Stop.

The Medal presentation will be hosted by TV news presenter Naga Munchetty, and attended by BCA Patron Dame Mary Perkins, Founder of Specsavers, and The Rt Hon, Lord Dholakia.

The British Citizen Award was established in 2015 to recognise exceptional individuals who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a positive impact on their communities and society. The BCA recognises true community heroes who would otherwise likely be overlooked.