Comedian Aid
is proud to announce Rae Saleem because the winner of the inaugural Lenny Award in recognition of his excellent dedication and dedication to fundraising for Crimson Nostril Day. The award, named in honour of Sir Lenny Henry, celebrates people who go the additional mile
and lead the fundraising cost with countless enthusiasm. Regardless of dealing with vital challenges, Rae has demonstrated unwavering dedication to provide again to his neighborhood and assist these in want.
Rae Saleem’s journey is nothing in need of outstanding. Six years in the past, he confronted a life-altering accident that left him paralysed from the neck down, together with mind injury. Nonetheless, Rae defied the percentages, embarking on a journey of restoration and overcoming not solely bodily challenges but additionally monetary hardship and psychological well being struggles.
Rae commented: “The work Comedian Aid does with psychological well being and poverty is huge for me as a result of I struggled with each after my accident. Questioning what kind of father I might be with my life confined to a mattress. We had been additionally on the verge of being evicted, and it actually opened my eyes when it comes to how rapidly life can change.”
These private challenges, nevertheless, didn’t deter Rae to provide again to others dealing with comparable struggles and encourage numerous others via his outstanding fundraising initiatives. From gruelling bodily endurance challenges to community-wide occasions, Rae has repeatedly gone above and past to boost very important funds for these in want. Final yr, he raised £3,700 with the London Monopoly Run which noticed him collect the neighborhood and run to each London location featured within the in style board recreation. In 2022 he organised his first multi-disciplined 4-hour group health occasion, then rowed, ran, cycled and cross-trained 82 miles the next day encouraging the neighborhood to affix him.
The momentous challenges don’t cease there. This yr, Rae climbed into the saddle at his native fitness center to start out an epic neighborhood 12-hour Spin-a-thon with over 60 members to boost funds for this yr’s Crimson Nostril Day. He surpassed his preliminary £2,500 goal, elevating over £4,000 which brings his complete raised for Comedian Aid through the years to over £11,000!
Commenting on Crimson Nostril Day, Rae mentioned: “What I really need is to convey the neighborhood collectively and provides others the assumption that they will obtain a lot extra. Crimson Nostril Day actually does convey folks collectively, it’s plenty of enjoyable and works for therefore many nice causes that I’ve personally benefitted from at dwelling, and overseas. I’m now so grateful and honoured to be able the place I may give again in some small method.”
He added: “My perspective has modified. For me this can be a second likelihood and I’m grabbing it with each palms. I really like Comedian Aid, I all the time watched it as a baby on TV however now I can watch figuring out that I’ve made a contribution which makes me immensely proud.”
Sir Lenny Henry commented: “It’s my nice honour to introduce the winner of the first-ever Lenny Award, Rae Saleem. Comedian Aid are fortunate to have Rae fundraising for them. I’d prefer to thank him for all the things he’s completed.”