Each week we are celebrating the work of our amazing “Judo Heroes” – members who are currently working and volunteering across the country during the global Covid-19 pandemic.

There are a number of fantastic initiatives being carried out throughout Great Britain and we would like to celebrate the work of our members currently involved in these projects. Each week we will profile a range of work from our “judo heroes”.

If you know of a member who is currently working within their local community, fundraising or going above and beyond to help those isolated, please nominate them to become one of our “Judo Heroes” whereby we will profile their work.

We have, once again, received a number of great nominations, here is our three favourites from this week:

Kevin O’Reilly has a lot to thank the NHS for over the years following successful recoveries from the likes of cancer, pneumonia and a road accident when he was younger.

It was last year during his fight against pneumonia that that he was unable to join his work colleagues in climbing Mount Snowdon, North Wales, for charity. Therefore he decided to cover that distance this year by climbing the the equivalent height of 1,085m by going up and down the stairs (271 times to be exact!) at home during the lockdown last Sunday.

Kevin completed the challenge in just short of 1 hour, 55 mins, which is a fantastic achievement in itself, but together with SMASHING his fundraising target of £500.00 – currently standing at £1,285 at time of writing – he is the epitome of a “Judo Hero” this week!

Kevin’s JustGiving page is still open if you would like to donate to his challenge at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kevin-o-reilly18

Jennie Alltoft, from Grimsby Judo Club, has been hard at work during the lockdown and putting his skills to the test to help her local NHS services.

Along with her niece Beth they have decided to make scrubs for hospitals at home during this tough time for the world. The scrubs that they are making are being shipped over to Scunthorpe General hospital to help with the battle against COVID 19. Jennie has always maintained the importance of the “judo family” and this is a major driving force behind this huge act of kindness.

Jennie has been ever-present at Grimsby Judo Club over the past 40 years and has helped keep the club together at times of need.

A hero if we ever saw one!

A popular British Judo referee in her spare time, Judy Maslen has been continuing to work as a Paramedic on the front line of the South West Ambulance Service despite Covid-19.

IF YOU KNOW OF ANY OTHER MEMBERS CURRENTLY WORKING AND/OR VOLUNTEERING IN THE COMMUNITY, PLEASE NOMINATE THEM AS A “JUDO HERO” BY CLICKING HERE