A CUSTOMER assistant who is not letting his disability define him has been named as the pride of a shopping giant.

Harvey Matthewson, from Basingstoke, is celebrating winning the Marks & Start Achiever Award at the 19th annual Pride of M&S Awards, which took place on Thursday, 4 October.

The national awards recognise individuals that go above and beyond, whether that’s by raising funds for a local charity, volunteering time in the community or making a real impact to customers and colleagues in 11 categories this year included awards for diversity and inclusion, sustainability, commitment to the community and wellbeing.

Customer assistant Harvey, who has worked at M&S Basingstoke for two years, won the award for his approach to work and his capability to overcome the challenges he has faced gaining employment with cerebral palsy.

Before joining M&S, he had never had a job before, but through the Marks & Start scheme he was welcomed by colleagues in Basingstoke and a beloved member of staff.

As well as working towards getting his pilot’s licence, Harvey also gives over his time to be an instructor with Aerobility to help teach disabled youngsters to fly, volunteers for The Prince’s Trust and works with the Wellington and Drummer Riding for the Disabled Association helping disabled children learn to ride horses.

Harvey said: “I’m delighted to have been recognised at the M&S Pride Awards. I’ve loved having the opportunity to work and really enjoy interacting with our customers in Basingstoke.

“Gaining employment with M&S gave me the confidence to reach out and work with other organisations and charities in my community and recently I was honoured to speak at the Boeing Annual Conference in front of hundreds of people.

"I’m working towards getting my pilot’s licence and enjoy volunteering as an instructor with Aerobility to help teach young disabled children to fly. I also work with the Wellington and Drummer Riding for the Disabled Association helping disabled children learn how to ride horses.”

Each winner was welcomed to the stage to be awarded a £100 gift card and a £1,000 donation from M&S to a charity of their choice.

Mike Barry, M&S Plan A Director, said: “The Pride of M&S Awards are a fantastic way for us to recognise some very special colleagues who really go above and beyond to help each other and those in their local communities.

"We’re very proud of Harvey and his fellow winners who are all a credit to M&S. It was great to hear all their inspiring stories during our celebratory evening."