AN EMPLOYEE at Amazon’s delivery station in Newport has received a special surprise in recognition of his outstanding efforts in supporting the community.

Joe Heycock, 29, who works as an onboarding manager, has been nominated for an Amazon Star award in recognition of his voluntary work in the South Wales community, which includes taking part in a sponsored bungee jump to raise money for the Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff.

The Amazon Star programme, now in its second year, is a UK-wide Amazon competition seeking to recognise and reward Amazon employees who make an outstanding contribution to their community through volunteering, fundraising and using their unique skills and talents to help others.

Mr Heycock was nominated by his colleagues for raising more than £1,000 for the local cancer centre.

Mr Heycock was inspired to go on the fundraising jump in honour of his mum Julie, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. Julie was treated by the team at Velindre and has now fully recovered.

To support the team who cared for his mum, Mr Heycock and two of his friends from Amazon in Newport – Janis and Gunars – took part in the fundraising bungee jump, cheered on by friends and family. Mr Heycock and his friends rallied the support of their colleagues at Amazon, raising just under £1,300 for the Cardiff cancer centre.

Mr Heycock's work in the community means he is in with a chance of winning one of three Dream Boxes – the top prize awarded as part of the programme. A Dream Box is a special delivery, worth £2,000, containing a top prize to honour Amazon’s community heroes.

Mr Heycock said: “The staff at the Velindre Cancer Centre did an incredible job of looking after my mum, and I wanted to repay them in some way. I’m passionate about helping to raise money for charities, and I’ve always wanted to do a bungee jump, so when the chance came up to get involved in one over in Bristol, it felt like the perfect way to raise money for a great cause.

“Janis, Gunars and I received a lot of donations from our friends and family while our colleagues at Amazon also chipped in to support us. It was brilliant to know that so many people from the delivery station backed us and their support is really appreciated.”

Amazon Newport Delivery Station manager, Tom Kingsley, said: “Joe is a much loved and highly valued member of our team and we’re so pleased he has been nominated for an Amazon Star award. Everyone at Amazon in Newport wishes Joe the best of luck ahead of the judging of this year’s competition.”