Naomi House & Jacksplace Supporter Wins Fundraiser of the Year Award
Written by Test Author
Posted: 24 March 2026
1 min read
General News
Our long-time charity supporter and dear friend Brian Harpur, Managing Director at GRP Solutions, has won the Charity Today, UK Fundraiser of the Year Award! This was for completing The Big Five: Where is Brian? challenge. A ‘race across the world’ style adventure, which raised over £15,000 for Naomi House & Jacksplace.
The Big Five: Where is Brian? challenge saw Brian travel as far as possible in five days, using only public transport and the kindness of strangers, with a budget of £250. Accompanied by a cuddly bear from our hospices called Jack, Brian started on his adventure by leaving his hometown of Portsmouth on a bus. He then travelled by ferry and hopped on multiple busses from Amsterdam and Berlin. Journeying onwards to Estonia, he finally arrived in Hammerfest, Norway. The world’s northernmost city!
His remarkable journey took him nearly 3,000 miles away from Portsmouth and across 11 countries. He was frequently travelling in total darkness and in sub-zero temperatures, with very little sleep. He even visited Father Christmas in Finland, who delivered a special message to the children and young adults who visit Naomi House & Jacksplace.
After 2,800 miles, 11 countries and countless adventures, me and my trusty sidekick, Jack the bear, arrived at the finish in Hammerfest, Norway. Thank you to everyone who supported me throughout the challenge – I am delighted to have raised over £15,000 for a charity that’s very close to my heart. Being part of the Naomi House & Jacksplace family and having their support was the motivation behind it all.
— Brian Harpur
Brian has supported our hospices for 8 years and has been a very loyal supporter. He has completed multiple fundraising challenges for us, from hiking up the highest mountain in Wales, to trekking along the Thames Valley Path, to completing this latest ‘Big Five’ challenge. Winning the UK Fundraiser of the Year award is such well-deserved recognition for Brian’s endless efforts and inspiring commitment to raise vital funds for our hospices. Thank you so much to Brian and GRP Solutions for your outstanding dedication to our charity.
— Katie Wilson, Head of Fundraising at Naomi House & Jacksplace.
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