Hector’s House Supporter James Kennedy Awarded Prestigious Proud of Bucks Award!

Hector’s House supporter and long-term friend of the charity James Kennedy was awarded the prestigious Young Champion award in the Proud of Bucks 2024 Ceremony! 

The Young Champion award recognises a young person under 21 who has made a significant contribution towards their local community e.g.through volunteering, supporting a charitable cause, or championing their peers.

James Kennedy (19) from Marsworth, has passionately volunteered for both charity and his local community since 2018. Karyn Taylor, our Fundraising Officer at Hector’s House, nominated James for a Proud of Bucks award on behalf of the charity to celebrate not only all the amazing work James has done for us over the years – but for his local community too.

Karyn said: “James is incredibly hardworking, and his enthusiasm is boundless. I was so pleased to work with James this year; he is just the loveliest and most caring young person I have ever come across, and I really wanted to acknowledge his amazing talents! In my many years of managing volunteers, he is the most hardworking and enthusiastic person I have met. It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know him, and we are so proud to be connected with such a truly inspirational young person.”

As a student at Tring School, where support for the community was strongly encouraged, James was always inspired to volunteer, igniting his deep love for caring for those around him. His dedication to suicide prevention and mental health support took root in secondary school following a presentation delivered by our founder, Robert Stringer, who talked about his son Hector, also a student at Tring School, who took his own life in 2011. 

Deeply inspired by the motivation to support more people with their mental health, James helped to organise a six-hour play-a-thon fundraising event at Tring Church. Alongside his fellow Year 12 music department students, he wholeheartedly dedicated himself to supporting Hector’s House, driven by a heartfelt commitment to making a difference.

Hector’s House has been invited to participate in the annual Marsworth Steam Rally for many years, and James is a dedicated member of the volunteering team that helps organise and run the event. Originally started in 1999 to raise money for an oven for the local community centre, the rally has grown significantly and is now attended by thousands of people each year. With over 20 steam engines, hundreds of vintage and classic vehicles, impressive cars, tractors, commercials, and military vehicles, as well as vintage steam engine rides, side shows, a beer tent, and stalls, the rally raises tens of thousands of pounds for local charities. It really has become a huge event in the calendar for the county and the energy required to organise such a huge event is huge. James’s devotion and drive for helping to make the day a huge success is truly inspirational and deeply humbling.

Robert Stringer, Co-Founder and Chairperson of Hector’s House, and Hector’s Dad reflected: “I never cease to be amazed by the maturity of this dynamic, incredible young man. His love of community is sincere and apparent and yet he never looks for recognition or praise. He always follows through in what he says he is going to do and then some. He is just the most delightful human and he would be absolutely deserving of recognition, for all he does for his community”. If I could describe this person using three words, they would be – Inspiring, Dynamic and Caring.”

James’s passion for helping people struggling with their mental health has, over the years, increased awareness of Hector’s House, enabling even more individuals to access our support. Additionally, James’s unwavering enthusiasm and drive have provided much-needed funds, further expanding our support services. His genuine compassion for those seeking help and his relentless dedication to raising funds have made a significant and lasting impact on those reaching out to Hector’s House. James’s heartfelt care for people struggling with their mental health has profoundly impacted individuals like *Emma, who recently commented: 

“I have had so many lovely comments lately on how far I have come. I still have my wonky days and over think a lot but I have so many tools now to help me through them now. I am and always will be forever grateful for all of you at Hector’s House for helping me, supporting me, believing in me and for being the absolute kindest people I have ever met. You have changed my life.”

James’s hard work has had a significant impact on hundreds of people, demonstrating how boundless energy, loyalty, and genuine care from just one person can make such a difference. He should be incredibly proud of himself, and we certainly are. This award couldn’t be more deserved, and we feel so privileged to call James a friend. 

Congratulations, James!