Bolsover stormtrooper wins new community award for making a difference

A dedicated Derbyshire man – who dresses up as a Star Wars stormtrooper for charity – has been named the winner of a special award.
Shane Darbey, from Bolsover, has been crowned winner in the ‘Let’s Make a Difference Awards’.Shane Darbey, from Bolsover, has been crowned winner in the ‘Let’s Make a Difference Awards’.
Shane Darbey, from Bolsover, has been crowned winner in the ‘Let’s Make a Difference Awards’.

Shane Darbey, from Bolsover, has been crowned winner for the Midlands region in the ‘Let’s Make a Difference Awards’ created by homebuilder Avant Homes to recognise those that are pushing boundaries and making a positive contribution in the areas in which it builds.

Nominations were open to anyone living in Scotland, north east England, Yorkshire and the Midlands and more than 250 people were entered to be in with a chance of winning.

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The shortlist was voted for by the public before facing a final judging panel which included broadcaster and TV personality and Avant Homes brand ambassador, Gabby Logan, and Globespan Media editorial director Rupert Bates.

All winners received a trophy, £2,000 cash prize and attended a celebration lunch with Gabby Logan and Avant Homes chief executive officer Colin Lewis.

Shane is well-known for his involvement in local charity events with Ashgate Hospice, Pasic’s Children’s Cancer Charity and MND Charity, as he helps to raise money for the organisations while dressed as a Star Wars stormtrooper. He also dedicates his time and provides free transport to members of his community who are in a time of need following house fires or urgent house moves.

In 2018 Shane set up the Moon Gazer project, which provides food hampers to help sustain the needs of local people as well as offering his time on Christmas day to help feed the homeless and vulnerable people in his area.

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Speaking about his award win, Shane said: “Volunteering and making a difference in the community is extremely important to me and I’m proud to have been recognised for something I am so passionate about.

“Dressing as a Stormtrooper at events always goes down a treat and its heart-warming to see little faces beaming when they meet a ‘real’ Star Wars character and inevitably my main aim will be to continue to be able to encourage those smiles.

“The award-winning will help me to continue my character visits by purchasing new costumes, which will hopefully develop even more opportunities for fundraising.”

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