I congratulate Kilkeel man Stanley Tomkins on winning the Northern Ireland Pride of Britain award on Friday night past. The Pride of Britain Awards have been honouring our nation's unsung heroes for the past 25 years, celebrating the achievements of truly remarkable people who make our world a better place. Stanley Tomkins certainly fits that description. Now 87 years old, Stanley has been an inspirational part of our community in Kilkeel for decades, and he is still as motivated as ever. He has rallied to lead the way in fundraising for a number of charities, and, in that time, he has raised an estimated incredible £750,000.

Stanley has raised money for a number of charities, including Save the Children and Cancer Research UK, which is particularly close to his heart. Stanley is a modest and humble man who was motivated in his fundraising action after suffering unimaginable personal loss.

Sadly, Stanley's wife died from cancer, and one of his daughters died more recently with a brain tumour.

Another of Stanley's key fundraising efforts has been his support for the JIMS Youth Centre in Kilkeel. I am especially grateful for the centre, as all my children benefit from it. From after-school clubs to summer schemes, drop-in sessions and the Step Up leadership programmes, it offers amazing services. It also provides a vital mental health hub for children and young people in Kilkeel. The centre would not have those great facilities had it not been for Stanley's fundraising. On Friday night, the young people at JIMS were overjoyed as they huddled round the TV to see Stanley win the Pride of Britain award. I got a few wee texts from the girls that said, "Our guy won".

Stanley is an amazing man. He truly inspires all of us to do our part for our local community and charities. He has long been the pride of his family and friends. He is the pride of Kilkeel and the Mournes, and we are all extremely proud to see him crowned as Northern Ireland's Pride of Britain 2024 winner. I wish Stanley all the very best as he travels to London for the Pride of Britain awards dinner. Congratulations Stanley, it is so well deserved.