Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year nominee – Wayne and Laura Damant

Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year nominee – Wayne and Laura Damant

Wayne and Laura Damant are so thankful to the University Hospitals of North Midlands for its support for them and their family that they have raised tens of thousands of pounds for the UHNM Charity and have no intention of stopping.

Last year alone the Trentham couple raised more than £30,000 for the UHNM Charity through fundraisers such as golf days and charity balls.

The hospital charity is not the only beneficiary of their efforts as their fundraising extends to many charities across Stoke-on-Trent.

Wayne, now a property landlord, says he was taught the importance of giving to others from a young age. “I was always told that if I had a pound in my pocket and I could afford to give back, then I should do just that. If I couldn’t donate my money I would always donate my time.”

By the age of 16 Wayne was fundraising for The Prince’s Trust.

The couple’s fundraising efforts became much more personal in 2022 when Wayne’s mother passed away. “The palliative care team were exceptional. As a young man who didn’t know what to do, they were there for me and I will never forget that.”

In 2022 Wayne suffered his second case of sepsis and staff at the UHNM were instrumental in his recovery.

“We are able to support a number of charities in the local area through our time. There are good people in this wonderful city and we like to support wherever we can.”

Wayne and Laura have been nominated  in the Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards by Martyn Irvine, Assistant Head Coach of the Stoke City Women’s Team.

Martyn said: “The Damants are incredibly supportive, kind and help promote all charity work to support others, always putting others first. They both deserve the world for their efforts and I just want them to know how appreciated they are.”

Wayne added: “I don’t think I deserve this. I try to stay behind the scenes as much as I can. However, if one person is inspired to give their money or their time from our efforts then it’s all the more worthwhile. It just showcases what Stoke-on-Trent is all about.”