Billingham fundraiser Paul Burgum crowned the March winner of a Teesside Heroes award 
Paul Burgum, who has raised more than £100,000 for good causes, said he ‘couldn’t be more proud’ with the accolade. A big-hearted Billingham man who gets a “buzz from fundraising” has won an award and a special place on the MFC’s Boro Brick Road. Paul Burgum, who has raised more than £100,000 for good causes, said he “couldn’t be more proud” to be crowned the March winner of a Teesside Heroes Award from Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation. Having received, as part of his prize, a £1,000 cheque to donate to a Teesside good cause of his choice, Paul added it to £4,000 he had raised for the Jo and Mya Memorial Fund. Paul, 34, has recently returned from a six-week trip walking the full length of Italy – 1,100 miles – to raise the funds for the charity. Set up by Ian Richardson after he lost his wife and six-year-old daughter in a car crash, the Jo and Mya Memorial Fund has raised £100,000 towards a counselling programme for children whose loved ones die or are terminally ill. “I’m a proud Teessider, so this is a really cool title to be given,” said Paul, who also received a trophy, dinner vouchers for the Brasserie at Hudson Quay and a place on MFC’s Boro Brick Road at the presentation evening at Billingham Rugby Club. “To be honest, having a place like that on the Boro Brick Road means a lot to me.” On donating the £1,000 to the Jo and Mya Memorial Fund, he added: “I’m a loud and proud sufferer from depression, so supporting this fund seemed entirely appropriate. “Ian is inspiring. To come through so much and still want to help others is pretty amazing really. People think I’m very generous but I’m actually quite selfish because I get a buzz out of fundraising. Believe me, there is no drug out there that gives you the same high you get from helping other people.” Philanthropic Foundation chairman Andy Preston, who nominated Paul, said: “I was not alone in wanting to see recognition for Paul’s incredible community work and passion for Teesside.” A talented rugby player who represented Billingham, Stockton, England North and the national under-21 side, Paul set up BCT Aspire 10 years ago to raise the aspirations of youngsters in Billingham and beyond. “I can say with confidence that we’re up to £100,000 raised over the last 10 years,” added Paul. “I’d love to expand BCT Aspire across Teesside eventually but I’m Billingham-born and bred so where better to start than where you are from?” Paul has also found time to raise another £100,000 for other local charities. Article by Sarah Dale from the Evening Gazette
