Joshua Denning wins ITV Westcountry Pride of Britain Fundraiser of the Year Award

Huge congratulations to Joshua Denning, who has won the ITV Westcountry Pride of Britain Fundraiser of the Year Award for his heroics with a collection bucket.

Joshua was among four finalists nominated for the award and was announced as the winner on this evening’s ITV Westcountry news.

On Thursday morning a small crowd gathered at the Lifeboat Station in Lyme Regis as ITV camera crews surprised Joshua and Mum Annette with the presentation of the award. The footage was shown on this evening’s news bulletin.

Joshua, aged 20, is autistic and has been holding a charity collection bucket at all the various fundraising events throughout the year in Lyme Regis since the age of 8.

Joshua, who only started speaking a few years ago, gets immense satisfaction from collecting as much as he possibly can. His collecting has given him a focus and so much confidence. He has such a positive vibe about him, always with a smile on his face and very much a ray of sunshine.

Described by many as Mr Lyme Regis, Joshua is a shining light for people living with autism, collecting an estimated £50,000 for charities and local good causes, a truly wonderful achievement.

He’s very much a local celebrity with locals and visitors to the town seeking out Joshua’s collection bucket. From the New Year’s Day Duck Race and Lyme Lunge at the start of the year, to Lifeboat Week, Carnival Week and performances by the Lyme Regis Town Band during the summer months, through to the Christmas Lights Switch On and Carols Round the Tree at the end of the year, Joshua will be there rain or shine with a collection bucket.

A special mention also needs to go to his wonderful Mum Annette who is by his side at every event and who has so brilliantly supported Joshua’s desire to fundraise. Also, Joshua’s younger brother Jacob has been very supportive and is himself very community spirited, actively involved in local organisations including Lyme Regis Regatta & Carnival.  

Joshua’s Dad Mike is incredibly proud of what Joshua has achieved and is delighted he has received this wonderful accolade.