He was revealed as the first ever recipient of the Tony Hopper Trophy, set up by Carlisle United in memory of the former player who died of motor neurone disease in 2018.
It is awarded to a participant in the Carlisle Half Marathon who has gone ‘above and beyond’ in the last two years during the pandemic.
And John, from Annan, was picked for his fundraising efforts, which have seen him raise £40,000 in three years for a range of charities, including spearheading a successful Christmas present appeal in Dumfries and Galloway.
Most recently he raised £1700 for Newstart Recycling in Annan and £1900 for United Ukraine.
The trophy was presented by Tony’s brother Darren and friend Ian Millburn at Brunton Park football ground the end of the half marathon.
John said: “This was a massive achievement and it shows how far I have come in the last few years.
“I am absolutely buzzing about this and was so honoured to receive the award.”
