Rhyl fundraiser named a ‘Platinum Champion’ as part of Jubilee awards

Richard Kendrick, who has raised money for a large number of different causes in the past 10-15 years, was named as one of the “Platinum Champions”, celebrating outstanding volunteers across the UK.

Set up by the Royal Voluntary Service, Richard was one of 490 winners of the award.

He was invited to the Queen’s “Party at the Palace” concert on Saturday (June 4), as well as being given the chance to receive his award from Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall the following day, but was sadly unable to attend.

In April, he also spent a night on Rhyl High Street sleeping rough, raising hundreds of pounds for the Royal British Legion in doing so.

Richard Kendrick during his sleepout challenge on High Street, Rhyl

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Richard, who works for Big Help Project Cymru, helping those who are homeless or in poverty, said after he found out he had won about two weeks ago: “I was chuffed!

“It’s nice to win something and be recognised for my work, but I also think it’s good for Rhyl, because it’s a volunteering award, so it’s for all of the volunteers who help me during the year as well.

“It’s in the family - my uncle Billy used to do fundraisers at Rhyl Golf Club, and with Facebook and social media, it’s a lot easier (to raise money) now.

“Its nice to be able to help someone, and when I help someone and see a difference, that’s how I get my buzz. It makes me feel good, knowing that you’ve made a difference to someone’s life.”

Richard, 49, has donated the majority of his funds raised to the Royal British Legion in the last six years, and to children’s charity North Wales Superkids for the last “eight or nine years”.

Also known for dressing in a Royal British Legion teddy bear costume at fundraiser events, Richard added: “Kids love him and always come up and give him money, because he’s a teddy bear dressed as a soldier!

Richard Kendrick (left) in the RBL teddy bear costume

“North Wales Superkids is also a charity close to my heart – it’s knowing kids can have toys for Christmas, who otherwise might not be able to.

“On the D-Day anniversary in 2019, we had a service on the beach, which was one of the loveliest things I’ve ever seen - to see thousands of kids enjoying the day and understanding why I do what I do, and why we help veterans.

“There are other things, too, like when we’ve raised money for foodbanks, but probably the best thing we’ve ever done is when we raised £2,000 to buy 55 Android tablets for the NHS.”

Richard has also helped organise an event to mark the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War in Rhyl next Tuesday (June 14).

Vale of Clwyd MP, James Davies, also congratulated Richard on his award.

Dr Davies, who last year was one of a number of people who nominated Richard for a Pride of Britain Award, said: "Sadly, Richard narrowly missed out on receiving a Pride of Britain award last year, so I was delighted to hear that had been awarded a prestigious 'Platium Champion' award as part of Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubliee.  

"Richard goes above and beyond to help in the local community and is probably best known for being the Poppy Appeal co-ordinator for the area for the Royal British Legion (RBL), for his work with the homeless and with the charity Superkids.   

"During the pandemic, he raised more than £70,000, which contributed to RBL services for Armed Forces families, as well as tablets for Glan Clwyd Hospital patients to keep in touch with their families during visiting restrictions, confectionery for key workers, PPE and funeral costs.

"It is a great shame he was unable to collect the award from the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall in person, but having organised events in Rhyl for the Jubilee, I can understand why he didn't attend.

"I congratulate Richard on this very well-deserved award and thank him for everything he does for the local community." 

For more information, you can email Richard at: kendrick7396@gmail.com.