A Flintshire man has been nominated for an award following his fundraising efforts in memory of familymembers. 

Mitch James, from Flint, has been nominated for the Innovative Fundraiser Award in the upcoming British Heart Foundation (BHF) Awards set to take place next Thursday.

For the last 13 years, Mitch James has been supporting the BHF in memory of his cousin Paul, who was born with a heart condition called transposition of the great arteries. 

Paul, described as a larger than life character, underwent major surgeries at birth and at the age of six.

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A keen rugby player and much-loved member of the community, his infectious laughter would always bring a smile to many.

After he sadly passed away in 2009 following a seizure at the age of 24, Mitch and Paul’s family at Mold Rugby Club set up Hoppo’s Hi 5s, to raise money in his memory, holding annual 5-a-side tournaments.

Due to Covid-19, the last event had to be cancelled, but Mitch and his friends took on a massive three-day bike challenge from London to Mold, covering 220 miles and raising over £23,000 for the BHF.

With the sad passing of Paul's brother, David in 2021 the group has decided to continue their cycling challenge and will complete a bike ride from Edinburgh to Mold Rugby club as their second leg of the four UK capitals to their much-loved rugby club, aiming to raise a total of £100,000.