Prime Minister’s Points of Light award for Sam

Sam McClean, 47, a self-employed signmaker in Belfast, started printing balloon-shaped vinyl stickers in praise of the NHS for display on vehicles, homes and in shop front windows.

Sam’s signs, which feature a rainbow at the top, have now spread throughout Northern Ireland, with all profits going to help charities, community groups and good causes across the province.

Sam raised £18,000 for PPE for care homes across Northern Ireland, £10,000 each for the Air Ambulance NI and RCN Foundation and £5,000 each for Aware NI, the Community Rescue Service, St John Ambulance NI, Marie Curie NI and the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, said: “Sam has dressed the windows of Belfast with rainbows, imbuing us with hope and uniting us in gratitude for the courage of all those on the front line who are risking their lives to save others. He has raised a fantastic amount to support NHS charities and I am delighted to recognise his service to others.”

Also congratulating Sam, Brandon Lewis, Northern Ireland Secretary said: “I am delighted that Sam has been commended for his hard work by the Prime Minister. His efforts will make a real difference for charities and community groups across Northern Ireland, and he’s a great example of how people can make a positive contribution to their communities during Covid 19.”

A delighted Sam said: “I’m just a normal person and this has given me a new outlook on life. Now I want to do more - I’m proud to be able to donate to these good causes. Both sides of the community have come together to deal with Covid 19 in Northern Ireland and this money will be put back into the community for everyone.”

The Prime Minister’s UK daily Points of Light award was first launched in April 2014 to recognise outstanding individuals making a difference where they live.

Sam is the 1395th person to be recognised.

As Britain unites to fight the spread of coronavirus, the award is focusing exclusively on people serving their community through the pandemic.

If you know someone who has made an outstanding contribution to their community through their voluntary work, you can recommend them for a UK Point of Light award by writing in to the Prime Minister. Visit: https://email.number10.gov.uk/