Gosport volunteer Les stills wants to raise as much as possible

The 58-year-old from Gosport was recently honoured for his huge volunteer work by winning the Outstanding Individual Achievement award at the Charity Times Awards. He beat other nominees including Dame Esther Rantzen and Dame Hilary Blume.

It was Les’s hard work for charities in Gosport and Fareham that led to his nomination from organisation Kids, who he will be presenting a cheque to next month.

On winning the award Les says: ‘I was stunned to say the least.

‘I was quite amazed because the people I was up against were great contenders.

‘I really didn’t think I stood a chance, but then we weren’t sure what the judges were after.

‘It’s amazing to have won and it was definitely a shock.’

Les has raised around £10m for charity through quiz nights and other events. Each quiz raises around £300 and he holds them every week.

He adds: ‘The more I do, the more experienced I have become in raising money.

‘I also give people tips when they are holding events so others can also raise as much as possible.

‘I stopped counting how much I have donated about five years ago.’