Wolves samosa fundraiser gets Rishi Sunak award

Manny Singh Kang was presented with a certificate on the pitch before Wolves kicked off against Fulham on 9 March

A Wolves fan who raised more than £250,000 for charity through initiatives that included selling samosas on matchdays said it was "surreal" to receive an award from the prime minister.

Manny Singh Kang was given the Point of Light award for his contributions to Dementia UK.

In a letter, Rishi Sunak praised his "incredible enthusiasm and energy" in fundraising efforts such as sponsored walks and marathons.

Mr Singh Kang said it was even more special to receive his award on the pitch at Molineux Stadium before last Saturday's game.

"Over the years Wolverhampton Wanderers have played a huge part," he said.

"So to get something like that on the pitch, from the team you support and have followed for so many years – it was quite a special moment."

Since 2018, the Wolves fan has served more than 50,000 homemade samosas at Molineux Stadium in exchange for donations.

He said 20 volunteers who had joined him to help with twice-a-season Samosa Saturdays had become "great family friends".

"It just shows you what normal people can achieve," he added.

He described Rishi Sunak's letter as "quite personal".

"I came home after a long day of work and it just sort of landed on the table... It was surreal," he said.

With his son Jeevan, the Dementia UK ambassador recently walked about 195 miles from Molineux to St James' Park in Newcastle.

His next challenge is to complete his fourth London marathon next month, having not run for a year.

But he said encouraging people to learn more about dementia kept him going.

“It just needs more and more awareness," he stated.

The prime minister recognises outstanding volunteers with Points of Light awards every weekday, following a scheme initiated by President George Bush in 1990.

Mr Singh Kang is the 2,278th recipient.