Former Pride of Britain nominee who ran 30 marathons is judge for latest awards
New Pride of Britain judge Jason Arday knows just how it feels to be nominated for the prestigious awards. The sociologist, who became the youngest ever Black professor at Cambridge University in March, has twice been nominated for Fundraiser of the Year Award.
Jason ran 30 marathons in 35 days in 2010 to raise money for Shelter and Shooting Stars Children’s Hospice. In total, he raised more than £5million for 80 charities over an 18-year period.
Jason said: “Being nominated was an amazing experience. It’s something I remember very fondly and if somebody had said to me I’d be in a position to judge the awards 11 years later, I would never have guessed. I don’t think of myself as a celebrity but I know my appointment was historic so as a result it’s been made symbolic and it’s obviously garnered worldwide attention. It’s surreal to be occupying a space with judges who have made a tremendous contribution to society. It means a hell of a lot.
Jason crossing the line in one of his many marathons (Max Hamilton)“There are some amazing stories out there and to be able to have some small part in centring and uplifting those people who do amazing things, it’s right up there. The 38-year-old added: “All the candidates are excellent but it’s looking at the minutiae, learning about the backstory and what motivated people.”
The academic’s own backstory is an inspirational one. Born in Clapham, south London, to Ghanaian parents, Jason was diagnosed with autism and global development delay aged three. Now an author of three books of academic work and highly respected scholar of race, inequality and education, he didn’t speak until he was 11 and couldn’t read or write until age 18.
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The professor’s advice for upcoming stars in all fields is one of belief. “If you have faith, if you have hope, if you have humility and belief anything is possible,” he said.
“You have to believe in a better world. People have the capacity to do great things and it’s not in any of our jurisdiction to predict or to limit how great anybody can be. As a society, we could do a lot better in supporting people to realise their dreams.”
Jason credits his mum Gifty, a mental health nurse who turned to music to help her young son learn to speak, as one of the key figures in his road to success.
“She’s proud because she knows how much I’ve sacrificed and how hard I’ve tried,” he said. “She has no idea I’m a Pride of Britain judge, I don’t like showing off.
“My life is very different to six months ago, I got to do really cool things before but now it’s on a different scale.”
How to nominate a hero
You can nominate anyone of any age for a Pride of Britain Award. It may be for a single act of incredible courage, a long-lasting battle against the odds, or for inspirational campaigning.
Please choose what you feel to be the most suitable category from the list. Don’t worry if you’re not sure – some nominees may fit in more than one category, so the Pride of Britain team will make sure they are considered for the most appropriate award.
Winners will be chosen by the Pride of Britain judging panel, from a shortlist produced by the Pride of Britain research team, who will consider every public nomination received. Nominate now at prideofbritain.com/nominate.
Categories
TSB COMMUNITY HERO AWARD
'So fed up of tiresome pal flirting with my husband and always putting me down'
For someone who goes to remarkable lengths to help those around them to lead their best life.
ITV FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR
For tireless and inspirational charity fundraising, aged 18 and over.
GOOD MORNING BRITAIN YOUNG FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR
To reward a young person aged 17 or under for inspirational charity work.
THIS MORNING EMERGENCY SERVICES AWARD
For police, paramedics, ambulance, fire or air, sea or mountain rescue who have gone beyond the call of duty.
OUTSTANDING BRAVERY
For adults who risk their own safety to help others in danger.
CHILD/TEENAGER OF COURAGE
For battling against the odds to help others, or putting themselves at risk to save someone who is in danger.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
To recognise far-reaching achievement, possibly on a national or international scale.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
For achievements not covered in other categories, such as inspiring carers, campaigners and those in armed forces.
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