A volunteer from Mansfield has posthumously been named a finalist in the MS Society’s first ever Impact Awards – a celebration of the amazing impact volunteers have on people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS).

Tom Sykes, who unexpectedly died earlier this year at 67, is one of 18 volunteers nominated for their contribution.

Hosted by MS Society Ambassador and DJ Scott Mills, Tom’s family will find out if he’s won one of six Impact Awards at the virtual awards ceremony on Wednesday, 5 October at 7pm.

More than 130,000 people live with MS in the UK and without volunteers’ time and energy, it would be impossible for the MS Society to deliver the services and support that it does.

Nominated in the ‘Connecting’ category, and shortlisted by a panel of volunteers, Tom saved the Mansfield MS Society group from near closure around five years ago.

Along with his nephew, Ash Sykes, who lives with MS, Tom became group coordinator. The group has since flourished and become a place where young and old across the MS community in Mansfield feel connected.

Tom was the driving force behind the group and set up an information hub in the Four Seasons Shopping Centre, Mansfield, for people to access support, talk, and meet with others living with MS. Tom was also at the forefront of many fundraising ideas for the group, from tombolas and fairs, to collections at Mansfield Town FC and charity bike rides at a hospital.

During lockdown Tom’s weekly online quizzes became very popular and kept the MS community connected during this difficult time.

Ash, who was diagnosed with MS in 2012, said: “Tom got involved because I live with MS and he felt like he needed to do something to help me. He went above and beyond to save the group and organise social events and trips away. He had a real passion for the group.

“It’s difficult that he is not around to see this. He probably wouldn’t agree with the nomination as he wasn’t one for accepting praise but there is no one more deserving. We’re all so proud of him – he saved our local group and if it wasn’t for him the group wouldn’t be here today supporting so many people.”

Nick Moberly, chief executive of the MS Society, added: “We’re so very sorry to hear Tom has passed away and we send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. We are delighted to be celebrating his achievements though at the first ever MS Society Impact Awards ceremony. More than 130,000 people live with MS in the UK and without our volunteers’ time and energy, it would be impossible to deliver the services and support that we do.”

The MS Society virtual awards ceremony will be live streamed on the MS Society YouTube and Facebook channels at 7pm on Wednesday, 5th October.