Alan King, JN Bentley Plant Lead, received the community award for outstanding service from Barnoldswick Town Council, after donating almost £1000 to the West Craven Food Bank.
Nominated by an anonymous member of the public, Alan was presented with his certificate at the Pride of Barnoldswick Awards alongside other community champions. Since joining the company in 2015 as a Plant Co-ordinator, Alan has progressed to Plant Lead, and now looks after Capex within the procurement team. He’s well known by his colleagues for his keen hobby of running, and last year he decided to set up and lead a Couch to 5k group at him local gym, KL Health Club, to get others moving and help them achieve their running goals.
The gym owner wanted to pay Alan for his volunteering, but Alan instead chose to donate the money to the West Craven Food Bank, who support local communities by providing food to those who are struggling to afford it. So far, Alan estimates about £900 has been donated, and following the success of his first group of runners, he plans to continue his 8-week coaching programme to help more people.
12 of those from Alan’s first group are planning to run the Manchester 10k, with another running the Manchester ½ marathon and the Yorkshire marathon. Several members of the group have praised Alan, thanking him for giving them the “confidence, strength and support” to reach 5k and feel better both physically and mentally.
Alan told us, “I wasn’t expecting to be nominated for this award – it’s been a lovely surprise. I enjoy getting people active and I feel a sense of satisfaction at seeing others succeed at something they thought they couldn’t achieve. Coaching others is something I take pride and joy in – I don’t do it for money. So it was a no-brainer choosing to donate my earnings to a local charity instead to support my community. I’m very grateful for this award and look forward to continuing my coaching.”
Dean Holmes, JN Bentley Director, commented, “This really is a special award and one that Alan should be very proud of. I know he doesn’t do it for the plaudits but they really are well deserved. The work he is doing which is not only supporting his local community but is also having such a positive impact on so many different individuals truly is inspiring – well done Alan.”
Councillor Jodie Marie Greaves, chair of the Town Council, who presented the awards, said, “The nominations recognise the outstanding contribution made to the life of the town by people and organisations who go above and beyond. They are well deserved.”
Congratulations, Alan!
Alan has worked for JN Bentley for 7 years now in the Plant department, based in Skipton. He’s applied for the company’s fundraising matching scheme 5 out of those 7 years, and plants to complete another entry shortly. The scheme recognises employees who volunteer their time to raise money for charity by boosting the funds raised by up to £100.
Above: Alan with his certificate.
Above: All the winners of the Pride of Barnoldswick Awards 2023 – Alan can be seen top row, third from right.
