'Gibbo' honoured at the Boleyn Ground

  • David Cameron has named Royal Navy Chief Petty Officer Andy Gibbs as a Point of Light
  • Mr Gibbs honoured in front of a sell-out Boleyn Ground crowd, following presentation by West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Gold  
  • The landmark of £400,000 was crossed as the award was handed over on Sunday
Andrew Gibbs, 45 and currently serving as an instructor at the Maritime Warfare School at HMS Collingwood in Fareham, set up and leads Doing it for Heroes, a group of dedicated volunteers raising funds for Help for Heroes to help rebuild the lives of those suffering due to their service.

Their efforts to date have spanned seven years to raise a staggering £400,000 for charity by running walking challenges and fundraising collections across the United Kingdom.

Challenges have included walking from Wembley to Cardiff for the UEFA Euro 2012 football qualifier and from the City of London to the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff to kick off the 6 Nations rugby tournament. Around 35 people have played their part in his team of volunteer fundraisers.



Following Sunday's presentation, Mr Gold said: “It’s a privilege to present Andrew with his richly-deserved Point of Light award at the Boleyn Ground.

"I’ve met Andrew on several occasions and we’re all delighted that his extraordinary dedication to the Help for Heroes cause has been recognised by Prime Minister David Cameron. I know it was particularly special for Andrew that the award be presented here, at the Boleyn Ground, where so much fundraising has taken place.”   

The generous fans at West Ham have played a huge part in supporting the amazing fundraising achievement, but it’s not over yet.



Mr Gibbs added: “It’s an immense honour to receive this award and it’s all about the team that helped me achieve all that we have done to help support those affected by their service.

“They continue to need support for life and we’re not stopping now-the next target is half a million for Help for Heroes which we hope to achieve by their tenth anniversary in 2017! A huge thanks especially go to all those who have donated at the Upton Park collections.”

Prime Minister David Cameron said: “With his fundraising for Help for Heroes, Chief Petty Officer Andrew Gibbs has done a huge amount to support our Armed Forces. As a serving member of the Royal Navy he sees first-hand the bravery and sacrifices our forces make for us every day.”