Co Armagh man honoured by Prime Minister for 50 years of charity fundraising

A Co Armagh man who has raised £1 million for charity over the last 50 years has been honoured by the Prime Minister.

Willie Nugent started his charitable endeavours in 1973 after being inspired by his schoolteachers reading the Guinness World Records to his class.

His first effort was cycling 100 miles from his native Armagh to Co Donegal in the Irish Republic, and he has gone on to break a world record for standing motionless for 13 hours.

I’d like to point out, I’ve always had great support during my 50 years of fundraising and I can honestly say, 'I have never walked alone'

Willie Nugent

He has also visited 21 dog shelters around the world to raise money for animal welfare charities as part of his Shaking Paws Around the World challenge.

Each Christmas, Mr Nugent publishes a children’s book for charity featuring his dog Maisie, with the proceeds from his latest edition going to Friends of the Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital, Guide Dogs for the Blind and the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.

Mr Nugent received the Prime Minister’s Points of Light award on December 27.

Mr Nugent received the Prime Minister’s Points of Light award, which recognises outstanding individuals making a positive change within their community (Ian Forsyth/PA)PA Wire/PA Images - Ian Forsyth

He described the award as a “great honour” and said it would motivate him to continue raising money for charity.

“I’d like to point out, I’ve always had great support during my 50 years of fundraising and I can honestly say, ‘I have never walked alone’,” he said.

“Over the years, I’ve always had great support from family and friends and not forgetting my faithful dogs who … have taken me for walks every day, keeping me fit and healthy.”

Mr Nugent is the 2,229th recipient of the Points of Light award, which was first launched in April 2014 to recognise outstanding individuals making a positive change within their community and inspiring others.

Willie has raised an amazing amount for charity over the past half-century, and continues to undertake creative fundraising initiatives on behalf of worthy causes. I congratulate him on this Points of Light award

Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris

Someone is selected every weekday to receive the award to celebrate their remarkable achievements.

Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris congratulated Mr Nugent.

“Willie has raised an amazing amount for charity over the past half-century, and continues to undertake creative fundraising initiatives on behalf of worthy causes,” he said.

“I congratulate him on this Points of Light award and thank him for his long-running support for charities, which has made a real difference to those in need – on top of setting a Guinness World Record.”