By ‘There is a champion in everyone’ says local inspiration Mike Burton
Mike Burton, from Grimsby, dedicates his time to helping everyone within the community, through his previous charity work and now, his positive video updates as he said “I feel I used to have a negative impact, I realised I wanted to make a difference, there is so much negativity in the world and all around so It is easy to get down”.
In an interview with Danielle Draper, Mike said: “Throughout my life, I have had to overcome many family, social and educational barriers to get where I am today. I am now a proud Teacher, National Award winner, Community Organisation founder.
“Adversity challenges all of us daily and if we use this adversity as fuel to succeed rather than an excuse to give in, you can achieve amazing things. I honestly believe this wholeheartedly.”
The videos are regularly shared on community groups on social media, where Mike celebrates positivity and shares how thankful he is, for the area that we live in, and what we can do to appreciate life, and our environment.
Mike founded Inspire TCI, a charity that supports ‘local champions’, which began as a free community fitness session. ‘The Champion Inside’ has supported 25 individuals and teams from Grimsby and Cleethorpes, he also provided schools with free equipment and sports sessions.
The ‘Biggest Loser’ fitness competition, also helped over 40 people improve their lives, and he has previously worked with Grimsby Food Kitchen to feed and support homeless men and women at Christmas time. He has raised over £250,000 since 2013.
In an interview with Gi Grimsby News, Mike said:
“I feel I used to have a negative impact, I realised I wanted to make a difference, there is so much negativity in the world and all around so It is easy to get down, first all of all, can I be the best I can be for my son to make him proud, the next is can I make a difference for someone else.” Mike said.
He said he did not expect a reaction at first, that it was purely to share his positive message and mindset, “I’m not a therapist or counsellor, people asked me why I’m doing it? It’s purely just wanting to make a difference.” he said.
“When I first started not many people talked, I started to say hello to everyone and many people now say morning, it makes a difference to my day and I hope it makes a difference to theirs, you are starting to change the environment, that is the one thing we have in our power if we are more positive and understanding we can make a better place for people to live and thrive.
“People might know me or know of me if I’m going to talk about this kind of thing publicly, the reason why I share the videos is I need to first say to myself, then resonate to others,” Mike added.
When asked about the reaction to the videos and updates, Mike said he had no idea the impact it could have, “I’ve been humbled and shocked by the response to my videos.
“I was at a café before, ex-servicemen said to me how much of an impact the videos have made on him. I never thought it could make a difference like that, I never thought people would listen or make an impact, but it is.
“I don’t aim to reach anyone, but if someone needs to hear something then they will, when you’re searching for positivity or advice, once you tick one of those problems off the list then the fog will start to lift.
“If I’m that person in the morning that might give someone a slight pick me up, then I ask what harm can it do? If I do that, I know I’ve done one positive act, trying to help people and the community sits in line with my values, it helps me be a better version of myself.
“When my son grows up, I want him to say that’s my dad and I’m proud of him,” he said.
Mike regularly shares his videos in various community groups across social media, and locals have begun to recognise his continuity and heart-warming messages.
“There’s always a different message, I know someone can feel this way because I do. You can do something you like, whatever it may be, find something you like and spend some time doing it prior, get yourself as close to the optimum so you are ready, rather than running on empty.
“It’s all of our responsibilities to keep our mental health as strong as possible, I usually get up around 4 am to reflect and get out, sometimes it can be something for myself, to be as positive and happy as possible, and I thought why not share it.
Life isn’t easy, but it can be amazing and we need to make sure as a community and nation, we can be all more positive and have a better understanding, that a lot of people may not take their lives.”
Mike was recently selected to be a baton bearer for the Queens Baton Relay, he was nominated for the work he has done in education, and for the community.
“I was selected to be a baton bearer for the commonwealth games, meeting the twelve people there, I was so humbled to be there, people are doing amazing things, I’m just someone who wants to make a difference for my community. To be nominated for the work I’ve done in education and for the community, I don’t see myself as an ambassador.
“Gemma Richardson and Zac Shaw are an example, they are two people I sponsored, sometimes you just need people to believe in you, I believe there is a champion in everyone, they just need someone to inspire them, someone believed in me, and if I didn’t get that opportunity, I wouldn’t have had all these opportunities. There isn’t any other reason, it just feels right, I’ve invested and raised money, with money of my own,” he said.
“I never want to feel or go back to that dark place, you’ve got to strive to be happy and positive because the alternative is horrible. I’m not trying to be a therapist, I just share some of my strategies, and if it helps somebody else it’s an absolute bonus.” Mike concluded.
