A community champion in Southport has been honoured with a Sefton Unsung Hero Award as he looks to take on a huge challenge for three amazing local charities this summer.
Nik Weatherby, the former owner of the Forty Seven bar, was recognised as a Finalist in the Sefton Unsung Hero category at the 2026 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards at The Grand in Southport.
The night saw community heroes celebrated from across the borough recognised across 13 categories, with hundreds of nominations received.
Since he opened Forty Seven bar in Kew, he has been a tireless community leader, engaging with local people and businesses to raise money for a variety of great causes.
They include the Papyrus suicide charity; Alder Hey Children’s Hospital; the Light For Life homeless charity; and many more.
On Friday 5th June 2026, Nik will be among a group of 12 friends looking to tackle a truly daunting challenge – Lake District Challenge, with a huge amount of training and preparation required.
It will see the team scaling 10 Hills in 24 Hours in the Lake District, in a bid to raise as much money as they can for Elsie’s Story, Bebe’s Hive and Alice’s WonderDance.
You can donate here: Crowdfunding For Good From JustGiving
The group;’s ambition is to raise at least £5,000.
In his most recent post, he said: “A huge thank you to everyone who has donated so far — we’re just under halfway now.
“Every weekend, the lads are showing real commitment.
“Up early on Saturday mornings, heading into the fells in the Lakes, pushing themselves in all conditions and adding more climbs each week to build towards this challenge. And when they’re not out on the fells, they’re in the gym putting in the work — massive respect to you all: Nik, Alan, Woz, Barney, Bry , Elliott , Aidy, Streety , Nigel Lockhart and Stevo.”
He added: “We’re raising money for Elsie’s Story, Alice’s Wonder Dance, and Bebe’s Hive — three charities that mean a great deal to us personally.
“Each one supports families and individuals through some of the hardest moments life can bring, offering care, comfort, strength and hope when it’s needed most. The work they do is incredible, and we’re proud to support them in any way we can.
“We truly believe these charities make a real difference — and every donation, no matter how big or small, will help them continue their vital work.
“Thank you so much for your kindness and support.
“To keep things simple, all donations will be collected through one fundraising page.
“Once the fundraiser has closed, the total raised will be split equally and donated in full to each of the three charities.”
Nik is widely respected by the local community, with the Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards seeing a number of nominations for him.
One said: “Since opening his bar in Southport four years ago, Nick has raised £8,000 for Papyrus, and £3,000 for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
“He donated 100 presents for the Light for Life appeal, raised hundreds of pounds through Easter egg hunts, and £1,000 from pumpkin events, all on top of countless smaller fundraising efforts.
“He does it purely out of kindness and a genuine desire to help others.”
Another nomination said: “Since Forty Seven opened on Kew Estate four years ago, Nik has always supported local charities including Papayus, Alder Hey and Light For Life every Christmas.
“This has included Nik and a group of customers jumping out of a plane and a triathlon.
“He arranged a full Easter egg hunt around the estate and pumpkin carving and the year Southport had snow, a Build a Snowman Competition.
“All money raised goes to a named charity. He has raised in the region of £6,000.
“This year he is planning on supporting the 3 charities of Elsie Dot, Alice and Bebe with a Three Peaks Challenge.
“Nik is the most selfless person I know and always thinks of others.
“He has not only made an impact on our local charities, he has brought a community together in a small little bar in Kew which he has made it possible to give back to such amazing local charities. He is such a worthy nominee.”
A nomination from Nik’s daughter, Abigail Weatherby, said: “I would like to nominate my dad, Nik Weatherby from Southport, for a Pride of Sefton Award in recognition of his incredible dedication to charity and the local community.
“Since opening his bar, Nik has worked tirelessly to raise money for important causes. From memory alone, he has raised around £5,000 for Papyrus, £3,000 for Alder Hey, and a further £3,000 for Papyrus through different events.
“He has also donated around 100 presents for the Light for Life appeal, raised hundreds of pounds through Easter egg hunts, and £1,000 from pumpkin events, all on top of countless smaller fundraising efforts.
“What makes this even more special is that he does it purely out of kindness and a genuine desire to help others.
“He brings people together, creates fun community events, and consistently gives back without ever seeking recognition.
“His commitment, generosity, and positive impact on so many families truly make him someone who deserves to be celebrated as a Pride of Sefton.”
The 2026 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards celebrated selfless, talented and courageous people across 13 categories at The Grand in Southport on 24th April 2026.
The Main Award was won by Queenscourt Hospice founder Dr Karen Groves MBE.
The evening was hosted by former Sky Sports News presenter Fraser Dainton with VIP guests including HM Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside Peter Oliver OBE and Mayor of Sefton Cllr Burns.
Funds were raised on the night for the ICU Steps charity, which supports patients in intensive care and their families.
The Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards are organised by Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group and Stand Up For Southport in association with media partners In Demand Radio with support from Southport BID.
There are 13 categories including Child of Courage, School Of The Year, Community Impact, Charity Champion and more, plus the Main Award.
Next year’s event takes place on Friday 30th April 2027.
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