Man who funds day trips for those in need nominated for award

A man who funds day trips for people who are isolated has been named as a finalist in the BBC's Make a Difference (MaD) awards.

Lagbir "Mick" Singh, a contender in the Great Neighbour category in Coventry and Warwickshire, was told at work in Leamington Spa on Friday in a surprise visit from BBC CWR.

His nomination said a forthcoming trip "gives an opportunity for those that are isolated, lonely, lost their partners and those that are struggling financially especially with children" and he buys "shopping, gas/electric for those in crisis".

The MaD awards celebrate people who give their time to improve communities and Singh will be invited to a ceremony in September along with other finalists.

He provides spending money, free snacks and drinks on trips, funds Christmas dinners and gifts for care homes and buys microwaves for people who need them.

The finalist said: "Anybody that's struggling, if they want some help and I've got the means to do it, I will help them."

He said that on 20 June he had "two coaches booked for a mystery seaside trip... which is great".

Asked what motivates him to do his activities, Singh replied: "It's just in my DNA I suppose."

The finalist said he had started delivering papers from the age of 11 and had helped people "especially those that were elderly or infirm".

He added: "It's just gone on and on from there. I enjoy what I do and it's great to put a smile on people's faces."

During the surprise, Singh said he was "just shocked" and not know what to say, before later adding he would look forward to the ceremony.

BBC Local Radio has been marking its first ever Make a Difference Day on Friday, as part of National Volunteers' Week.

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