Dedicated fundraiser named ‘Rhyl superhero’ at town's awards ceremony

Richard Kendrick was the winner of the “outstanding contribution to the community” and the “Rhyl superhero” awards at the Rhyl BID Business Awards on March 5.

Held at 1891 Bar and Restaurant, the third annual awards ceremony saw those who strive to show off the best of Rhyl celebrated.

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Richard collects one of his prizes at the Rhyl BID Business Awards (Image: Rhyl BID)

Having raised money for a wide range of different causes for more than a decade, including the Royal British Legion Industries and the Appeal, Richard was delighted to be recognised for his efforts.

He is often seen in Rhyl dressed as Bearjamin the Fundraising Bear, and during his two years as the town’s Poppy Appeal organiser, raised £212,835.24.

Richard said: “I won a superhero award, even though I don’t wear a cape!

“This is voted for by the Rhyl public, and when you look at how many thousands of people voted, it just makes me feel really proud that lots of people like what I do.

“I think I won because of that - lots of people approach me asking for help, including small and major charities. I put so much into it, and raise so much.

“I do it because it’s nice to see yourself making a change to people’s lives. I’m lucky that my parents worked hard to give me a brilliant start in life that, even though I work full-time now, I don’t have to, so I’ve got the time to help others.

“I see how much need there is at the moment, but when you see that you’ve done something to change someone’s life, that’s an amazing feeling. It gives you impetus to push even more.”

Richard (left) dressed as Bearjamin with former Rhyl mayor, Cllr Diane King (Image: Submitted)

In 2022, Richard was named a Platinum Champion as part of a special event to coincide with the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee.

He is currently taking on Royal British Legion Industries’ (RBLI) Great Tommy Sleep Out throughout March, where people brave the cold in aid of the roughly 6,000 military veterans living on the streets in the UK.

On June 2, he will run Rhyl’s Race For Life while dressed as Bearjamin in aid of Cancer Research and The Osborne Trust, meanwhile.

He added: “The sleepout is killing me – last Saturday was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. it was just so cold; my waterproof jacket was wet through. Somebody bought me a cooked chicken, though!

Richard during a previous sleepout (Image: Submitted)

“I’m always looking for the next step; to do something that nobody else does to raise money. It’s got to be different, because if you do the same as everyone else, you’re not going to raise as much money.

“I’m chuffed with the awards. I had a few tears after the ‘superhero’ award. It’s a new category, and I really did want to win that, because I think it means people really like what I do.”