Staffordshire University law student Jack Marshall had an ‘awesome’ start to 2020 after he was awarded the British Empire Medal in the New Year's Honours List.
Jack Marshall, 21, was recognised for his exceptional fundraising over 14 years which has seen him donate more than £10,000 to a range of charities including MOVE Europe which has encouraged him to live life to the full.
He said: “MOVE helps children and young disabled people to walk and move and they’re very close to my heart as they helped me.”
Jack from Belton in Lincolnshire has a rare neurological condition called Moebius Syndrome which means he has no facial nerves, is blind in one eye and requires two hearing aids.
Despite this, Jack has undertaken an impressive range of physical challenges including crossing the Humber bridge, taking part in the Great North Run, skydiving and climbing the three highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales.
Jack said he was overwhelmed by his most recent honour and looking forward to attending the summer garden party at Buckingham Palace later this year.
Dr Karen Cooper, Head of Law at Staffordshire University, said: “I am delighted and extremely proud that Jack has been honoured for his charitable fundraising. He is an inspiration to others and his charitable work is a shining reflection of Staffordshire University’s values as a Civic university.”
For now, Jack is happy to be back at Staffordshire University where he is immersed in the first year of his law degree. Inspired by his brother-in-law Robert Smith, who graduated from Staffordshire University and worked as a barrister before being appointed judge, Jack is eager to pursue a career in Law.
He said: “I’m interested in casework and that no two cases are the same. I’d heard great things about Staffordshire University and the fact that they actually came out to meet me – the personal touches were the deciding factor.
“I’m loving the learning, the subject and the lecturers and the day I graduate will be the proudest of my life. My disability has never been a barrier to me – while I struggle with the simple things like buttoning up a shirt – I live each day as it comes and focus on what I can do.
“If I wasn’t born this way I wouldn’t have met the amazing people and done the amazing things I’ve done. I’m living the dream and want to encourage more disabled people to live theirs.”
Although Jack has taken a short break from fundraising while he settles into life as a Staffordshire University law student, he has set his fundraising sights high for the coming year.
“I want to go to Scotland to canoe the Caledonian canal. Someone suggested I do a sponsored silence as I’m very well known for my talking and at the end of the year I’m planning a charity ball.”
He added: “It’s doing what I love to do and what I was born to do. I just love fundraising and helping people less fortunate than I am.”