A MAN whose charity efforts have made the headlines locally has shifted his focus, starting a nationwide campaign.

Sam Cullis, who regularly raises money for key-worker charities, is once again showing his support, riding out on Christmas Eve to help celebrate their efforts. In addition, he is inviting residents to come out and hold a two minutes silence followed by singing a Christmas carol

He said: “With December 24 coming and no end to the pandemic in sight, I carried on with my work raising for the police, army, fire service and NHS. We are hoping to hold a two minutes’ silence at noon across seven cities including Worcester, Oxford and Gloucester.”

Mr Cullis has been given the support of police and fire services across the country, including West Mercia, The Met and Gloucestershire police.

He added: “I’ve had more than 40 organisations show their support and they will be uploading and sharing their efforts.”

In trying to raise awareness of his campaign, Mr Cullis even wrote to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, receiving an official reply from Mr Johnson’s office, which said: “I would like to thank you for the charitable efforts you have made in the community; raising £2,000 for firefighting charities is an admirable achievement.

“This type of selflessness, at a time of much uncertainty, typifies the national response to Covid-19 and general positivity like yours will help propel us through the second lockdown. Your suggestion of a national period of silence followed by a carol has been noted.”

On Christmas Eve itself, Mr Cullis will ride out from Evesham to Tewkesbury, before heading on to Gloucester North Fire Station and Gloucester Police headquarters, where the silence will be held.

He has also set up a fundraising page where supporters can go to show their support. It can be found at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=samcullis1&pageUrl=1