Sheffield boxing star Johnny Nelson becomes new NHS charity ambassador

Johnny, aged 53, is the longest-reigning world cruiserweight champion of all time and successfully defended his title against a record-breaking 13 opponents.

He now works for Sky Sports as a boxing pundit.

Johnny said: “I am over the moon to be asked to be an ambassador for Sheffield Hospitals Charity.

“I’ve seen first hand some of the amazing work that they’ve done over the years to support our community, none more so than throughout the pandemic.

"Our hospitals in Sheffield deserve all the appreciation in the world and what the charity does to support them is amazing.

“I’m really proud to have been asked and hope to help drive awareness and fundraising in the coming months.”

Johnny is getting involved with the charity’s Bring It On 2021 campaign which is urging supporters to take part in a 21-theme challenge to help kick-start the year and raise funds for hospitals, staff and patients.

Participants can run, walk or cycle 21km, they can swim 21 lengths, they can do 21 days of exercise, do 21,000 steps in one day, or even bake 21 cakes in January or February.

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Speaking at the launch of the event, Johnny said: “What better way to start the new year by taking on a challenge like this – it will be great for you, and great for our hospitals as you raise money!

"I would love it if as many people as possible get involved.”

Gareth Aston, chief executive officer for Sheffield Hospitals Charity, said: “Having Johnny Nelson as part of our team is a massive New Year’s boost for all of us.

"He is a true boxing legend and a true local legend and he will help us drive forward our message and do as much as we can to support our hospitals.

“We are thrilled that Johnny is off to a flying start and involved with Bring It On 2021.

" We want to get this year going in the best possible way – especially after the past 12 months.

"And you can play your part.

"If you want to get involved, please sign up on our website or email our team at [email protected]”

Go to www.sheffieldhospitalscharity.org.uk/Event/bringiton to find out more about the challenge.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

*Sheffield Hospitals Charity is the official charity of the NHS in Sheffield.

It supports staff and patients across all five Sheffield Teaching Hospitals sites, which are the Northern General Hospital, the Royal Hallamshire, Charles Clifford Dental Hospital, Weston Park Cancer Hospital and the Jessop Maternity Hospital.

Everything that the charity does is focused on improving the treatment of patients in Sheffield and supporting NHS staff to deliver the best quality of care.

The charity invests more than £2.5million per year into five key areas:

Patient & family support; Hospital environments; State of the art equipment; Medical research; Staff development.

The charity relies upon donations, fundraising efforts, gifts and corporate support in order to be able to deliver this work.

The money that the charity receives goes directly towards supporting the NHS in Sheffield.

One regular source of income is the charity’s weekly lottery, which pays out prizes of £25,000. Sign up at the website.