An employee has won an Inspiring Individual Award in his company’s national prizegiving.

John Fletcher, of the Dover Marks and Spencer branch, triumphed in the 18th annual Pride of M&S Awards attended by comedian Ruby Wax.

The awards recognises accomplishments, for example, by those who have extensively served their community, to the outstanding achievements of people who have joined M&S through its employability programmes.

Mr Fletcher, a sales advisor who has worked for the company for 15 years, is seen as a huge inspiration to his colleagues and is praised by his peers for his warm and friendly nature to both staff and customers.

Mr Fletcher, who was born with Downs Syndrome, DJs at regular monthly discos for his local MENCAP centre.

He often helps run coffee mornings at his local church, performs weekly at its choir and helps the elderly to their seats as an usher.

Mr Fletcher, who is from Dover and based at the Biggin Street store, said: “I’m absolutely overwhelmed to have won this award.

“ Working with great people and being part of an incredible, friendly community always motivates and encourages me to reciprocate everyone’s kindness by giving back to my community.

“I would like to give a big thank you to my colleagues for nominating me and recognising my efforts.”

Mr Fletcher was presented his prize at a black tie ceremony, at the M&S head office in London, by company HR dIrector David Guise.

He and other winners 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 great 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 John and his fellow winners who came from across the UK to join us for a celebratory evening.

“It was great to be joined by Ruby Wax who kicked the night off by sharing her passion for mindfulness and encouraging us to take care of our mental health, and finished with a comedic set that ended the night on a real high for all involved.”

This year Wax launched the Frazzled Café, part of the M&S Plan A sustainability initiative.

This sees M&S Cafés across the UK host fortnightly talk-in sessions for people who are feeling frazzled and overwhelmed by the stresses of modern life.
?The sessions are led my trained volunteer professionals and held after hours to offer a safe, anonymous and non-judgmental environment to talk and share personal stories.