Hilly Helmet organiser, Robin-Mark Schols, honoured with a BBC Radio Make a Difference award

31 October 2022 | Support, Fundraising, Supporters

Long-standing Brain Tumour Support supporter and champion fundraiser, Robin-Mark Schols, received a very special award last month in recognition of his incredible fundraising for the charity over the past six years. The BBC Radio Make a Difference awards were introduced at the start of the first lockdown to recognise remarkable people, marking their achievements and contributions to their local community.

Robin was nominated for a BBC Radio Make a Difference award in the fundraising category having raised over £20,000 for Brain Tumour Support since founding the distinctive Hilly Helmet Challenge running event, which has become a much-loved annual date in the charity’s fundraising calendar. The inspiration to create the race came from Robin’s own experience following a brain tumour diagnosis and surgery and having to wear a protective helmet afterwards, even as he was running to improve his fitness. So the unique character of the Hilly Helmet Challenge is that all entrants design and wear their own headgear for the race – and weird and wonderful designs are definitely encouraged!

The Hilly Helmet challenge received an industry-recognised gold award from Racecheck in 2019 and again this year. On top of this year’s successful event, which raised £4610.17, Robin said he felt humbled to then receive the recognition from the BBC Radio Make a Difference award.

He said, “I was honoured to even be nominated for the award, let alone win it. I always think there must be people doing far more in terms of fundraising than myself, but I’m so grateful regardless. I’d like to give my regards to the other nominees as they all deserve a shout and they really all do make a difference.

“The support I’ve had for the run from the local community over the past six years has just been incredible. I’m happy it has proved to be so popular, as it gives people the chance to come together for something positive and educate them about Brain Tumour Support at the same time – it’s cemented itself in people’s race diaries as well, which is lovely. “I’ve managed to twist enough people’s arms so that every penny raised goes directly to the charity so I can look people in the eye and say that this is a true fundraising event, with the charity receiving the full amount.”

Last month, Robin was invited to an awards ceremony in Devizes, Wiltshire, at which the winners were announced. Ironically the keen runner was away that weekend, competing in the Berlin Marathon, so he was represented by good friends who accepted it on his behalf.

Nick Hewer, advisor to Alan Sugar in the hit BBC show The Apprentice, presented the award, praising the Hilly Helmet Challenge and suggesting it was an event that could go national.

On hearing he had won, Robin summed up his feelings: “I’m experiencing a whole host of different emotions now – I’m honoured, flattered, humbled. I never expected these accolades, I just wanted to try and raise as much as I possibly could to help Brain Tumour Support, while offering local people a fun event at a good value price.”

Our Fundraising Officer, Jayne Mallard says “It is wonderful to see Robin receive the Make A Difference Award and get the recognition he deserves for all the hard work he has put into his fundraising and also for raising awareness for Brain Tumour Support too. Well done Robin!”