Red Cross fundraiser from Sydenham awarded MBE in New Year Honours for massive success in fundraising for multiple charities

A charity fundraiser who boosted the incomes of the Red Cross, NSPCC, MS Society and Diabetes UK has been recognised for two decades of fundraising work – and he is yet to tell his wife.

Paul Amadi from Sydenham, has been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List 2021.

“I nearly missed the email,” says Paul of the honour. “I had to read the message a couple of times for it to sink it. Even now it still doesn’t seem real.”

Paul joined the British Red Cross in July 2018 as its new chief supporter officer. Before that he was executive director of fundraising and engagement at the MS Society.

He has also held director of fundraising roles at Diabetes UK where he increased income by 25 per cent and NSPCC where he raised in excess of £130m.

Paul was recently made a Fellow of the Institute of Fundraising which he has also chaired, as well as setting up the Black Fundraisers UK Group and being an active member of the EDI (equality, diversity & inclusion) panel and committee.

Despite all of his achievements, Paul remains modest.

“All I have ever done is follow my passion for fundraising,” he says.

“I am incredibly grateful to the people I have worked with who have enabled my success and I am beyond thrilled to be getting an MBE whilst at the Red Cross as it’s a truly amazing organisation.”

British Red Cross chief executive Mike Adamson is delighted that Paul is getting recognition for an incredible career.

“Paul has been with us for the past two and a half years. He is a shining example of the exemplary staff and volunteers we are lucky to have to support the vital work of the Red Cross.

He is passionate about fundraising and constantly looking at innovative ways to ensure anyone that wants to support our work can do so in a way that suits them.”

“He is driven, modest and inspires other people in the organisation.  I would like to pass on my congratulations on this well-deserved honour and thank Paul for his continued passion for helping to make a difference. This MBE is greatly deserved.”

Paul is yet to tell anyone about the award.

“It’s so surreal,” he says. “I haven’t even told my wife yet.

“Maybe when the news becomes public it might sink in, but for now I’m still in a state of disbelief. I am taken aback to have even been considered worthy of a nomination and genuinely humbled to be receiving this award.”