A CHARITY fundraiser who has been giving back since he was 13 years old has donated £1,000 to Carlisle Youth Zone.

The self-made Carlisle businessman, Geoff Brown, set up his own charitable trust to support anyone who needs help - and as a result of years of kindness, he has been nominated in this year's Pride of Great Britain Awards. 

"I was blown away to be put forward for the award, but I don't do it for that, I do it because I enjoy it.

"There's no cost to the charity, never has been or never will be, there's no admin or heating bills all I do is give up my time," he said. 

The philanthropist, who was involved in giving 150 meals a day, five days a week for four months, to the elderly during Covid, has been giving back since 1983. 

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Geoff has raised spirits of many having delivered over 500 charitable donations through the trust, some of which include organising a full wedding and a first family getaway for former soldier Matty Thicke, after he became paralysed from the chest down. 

"My fundraising is my hobby, that's my buzz - when you have a hobby, you make time for it and my hobby is helping other people," he said. 

Carlisle Youth Zone provides opportunities for young people that otherwise wouldn't be accessible or available to which the funding will help the community organisation continue to impact Carlisle's youth. 

Emma Rogerson, development coordinator at Carlisle Youth Zone thanked Geoff for the donation. 

"We rely on private sector funding, people fundraising for us helps keeps our doors open to cater to 1200 children each week. 

"Any money that is fundraised for us is hugely appreciated. 1200 young people choose to come here, so we need to do everything we can to keep these doors open, provide a space that is fun and safe and where kids can access much-needed support," she said. 

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