Fraser Johnston to Win TSB Community Partner Award at the Daily Mirror's Pride of Britain Awards 2017

30th October 2017

TSB Community Partner award recognises the incredible work of Fraser Johnston, 20, who uses a trishaw bike to help the elderly with memories of their past

Fraser Johnston, a 20-year-old student who set up an initiative aimed at bringing the elderly population closer to the outdoor environment through the power of cycling, will be awarded the TSB Community Partner Award at the 2017 Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards at Grosvenor House on Monday evening.

Fraser Johnston started community group ‘Cycling Without Age Falkirk’ in March 2016 to take elderly people from care homes in the area out in specially designed trishaws which have a seat for two fastened to the front. The aim of the initiative is to get the elderly out and about and to help jog their memories from the past. To date Fraser and his team of 30 volunteers have taken out over 150 care home residents, all aged over 85.

After a video of Fraser taking some elderly people for a cycle went viral and gained over 15 million views, he started a crowdfunding page which has now raised £43,492 for the scheme.

Paul Pester, CEO, TSB says: “The Pride of Britain Awards recognise the people up and down the country who do extraordinary things each and every day for the people and the communities around them. Congratulations to this year’s TSB Community Partner Award winner, Fraser Johnston, he has had an incredible effect on his community and I know he is a real inspiration to everyone around him.”

Fraser Johnston, TSB Community Partner Award winner, comments: “It’s a massive honour to be given the TSB Community Partner Award. Hopefully other people will see what myself and the team are doing and they’ll be inspired to get involved in their own communities. Taking the older generation out on our trishaws doesn’t just give them fresh air and a chance to chat – it makes them feel less isolated and a part of society again. It’s not about the destination, for them it’s about the journey.”

Pride of Britain founder Peter Willis comments: “Pride of Britain has always celebrated inspirational individuals who transform the lives of people around them, and Fraser is the perfect example of that. To dedicate so much of his time to helping the older generation is an amazing, selfless thing to do. He’s inspired so many other people to get involved too."

Now in its 19th year, The Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards celebrate the nation’s unsung heroes – Brits of all ages and all walks of life who make a real difference to local communities and to the lives of so many. These heroes range from children whose courage is awe-inspiring to members of the emergency services going way above and beyond the call of duty.

The Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards inspired nearly five million people in 2016 to tune in and see who was honoured for all the exceptional things they had done.

The Awards will be broadcast at 8pm on 7 November 2017 on ITV.

Notes to editors

The TSB Community Partner Award is for an individual or a group of people who have worked together in partnership as a force for good in their local community, improving the lives of people around them. This could be anything from supporting young people to thrive, to bringing communities together to create something special.

About TSB

TSB launched back onto high streets on 9 September 2013.

TSB was built to bring more competition to UK banking and ultimately make banking better for all UK consumers. TSB only serves local customers and local businesses, to help fuel local economies, because communities thriving across Britain is a good thing for all of us.

We have a simple, straightforward and transparent banking model and make clear on our website how we operate and make money. We offer the products and services people tell us they want, with none of the funny stuff people normally associate with traditional banks.

Our five million customers appear to notice: TSB is Britain’s most recommended high street bank and was recently identified as one of the top 10 big companies to work for.

For further information about TSB Bank plc, please visit our website www.tsb.co.uk.