SPAR has recognised five Everyday Champions – honouring retailers’ customers whose everyday acts of kindness strengthen local communities and reflect the values at the heart of the SPAR brand. The winners were invited to the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, where they received an exclusive behind‑the‑scenes experience designed to showcase SPAR’s long‑standing commitment to grassroots sport and community connection.
British world and European champion sprinter Richard Kilty hosted the winners for a private stadium tour, drawing on his own early development through the SPAR Sprints Initiative at Loughborough University. At age 16, Kilty finished second at the UK Inter‑Counties Championships and participated in the SPAR programme – a milestone he credits as foundational in his athletics career. During the visit, he showed the winners around restricted areas of the venue, gave them the chance to run on the track, and introduced them to the official who famously disqualified Usain Bolt, offering a rare insight into elite competition.
The five Everyday Champions – David Hobbs (St Albans), Adam Dent (Hinckley), Sandra Walker (Hinckley), Miss Nicola Allen (East Sussex) and Laura Barton (Medway) – were selected for their exceptional contributions to their communities. Their stories span grassroots sport, charity fundraising, environmental action, and frontline support for vulnerable people.
St Albans: Running coach David Hobbs, who has spent more than 20 years supporting young athletes, was unable to attend due to injury. In a gesture reflecting his character, he gifted his tickets to Dan Smith, the parent who nominated him, and Dan’s daughter Pearl, an aspiring cross‑country runner whose development David has championed. They attended on his behalf and took part in the full behind‑the‑scenes experience.
Hinckley: Volunteer football coach Adam Dent was recognised for transforming young players’ confidence and resilience at Burbage & Huncote, while Sandra Walker was honoured for her long‑standing support for vulnerable families, homeless residents and local charities.
East Sussex: Nicola Allen has raised more than £20,000 for local causes, improved access for disabled residents, supported elderly people during the pandemic and delivered high‑impact fundraising events.
Medway: Laura Barton was celebrated as the “quiet engine” behind the Rochester Eco Hub, connecting organisations, supporting volunteers and using environmental activity to combat loneliness.
The awards form part of SPAR’s Everyday Champions campaign, launched with Colin Jackson CBE and supported by brand partners Tropicana, Wall’s Sausage Roll and Pepsi Max. The initiative highlights the everyday acts of generosity seen across SPAR stores and communities, reinforced by new research showing that 64% of Britons have helped someone in their community in the past year.
Colin Jackson said: “Every one of our Everyday Champions shows how powerful simple acts of kindness can be. Their impact reaches far beyond the individual – they strengthen communities, build confidence and bring people together. They are exactly the kind of people SPAR is proud to celebrate.”
