PRESS RELEASE: Gary Chaplin scoops charity award after prize pitch to Dragon Theo

Corporate HeadHunter Gary Chaplin delivered a winning pitch to Dragon’s Den entrepreneur Theo Paphitis to scoop the Many Hands Charity Campaign Award earlier this month.

The business owner impressed a panel of judges, which included Ryman’s chairman Theo, by giving his winning speech while cycling on his bike!

Gary was the only individual up against four businesses shortlisted for the award which comes after he organised a bike ride from London to Manchester that raised more than £14,000 for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity (RMCH).

Congratulating Gary on his win, Theo said: “Gary’s award was very well deserved. He raised a massive £14,000 which was a phenomenal achievement.“

“His pitch on the deciding night was unforgettable because the entire presentation was given while cycling- that in itself was a first.” [Presentation can be seen here]

“It is great to see small businesses such as Gary’s get behind such initiatives. Well done Gary!”

Gary was inspired to fundraise for RMCH after nurses from a hospital linked to the charity saved his daughter Ava’s life when she was born six weeks premature.

He said: “Ava contracted an infection when she was five-days-old and as any parent will testify, seeing your child very ill is everyone’s worst nightmare.

“It is thanks to those nurses that my daughter is now a very lively, robust, vocal three-year-old,”

As part of his prize, Gary will also receive a day’s training and coaching from leading business coach, Nick Robinson and spend time with Theo.

He added: “It is extremely humbling to be the winner of the Many Hands Award, especially against such stiff competition and fantastic charity initiatives by some great businesses”

“The ride was a great achievement, not only in the amount it raised and the incredible support we received from so many businesses, but also in the camaraderie and positive spirit all the riders felt working so hard for such a worthwhile cause.”

Maurice Watkins, Chairman of RMCH, said: “All of the finalists did a fantastic job with their pitches, but it was Gary’s determination and commitment that really shone through on the night.

“We were impressed with the effort he put in to organising the bike ride and the awareness he achieved to help make a difference to children at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.”