The selfless brother of a young dad murdered on the streets of Preston has channelled his grief into a force for good by helping hundreds of struggling families each year.
Byron Highton, the founder of The JJ Effect, has been nominated for the Charity Hero of the Year at the inaugural Proud Preston 2026 Awards.
As the closing date for nominations closes in on February 5, we’re teaming up with the Lancashire Post to shine a light on some of the amazing nominations we’ve already received.
Winners will be announced at a gala dinner on Thursday, March 19 at the Barton Manor Hotel & Spa.
The passionate campaigner, known by many for his mission to educate young people nationally about the dangers of knife crime, started his work after his beloved brother JonJo, was stabbed to death in the street.
Dad-of-one Jonjo was just 18 when he was ambushed by a gang in St Stephen’s Road, Deepdale in 2014.
Byron has since gone on to educate thousands of young people about knife crime, stating that “everything I do stems from my brother’s death.”
Alongside his own organisation, The JJ Effect CIC, Byron works with Make Life Kind Charity to deliver his powerful anti-knife crime presentations.
But this is just one way, Bryon shows up and supports Preston.
He has been nominated for Proud Preston’s Charity Hero of the Year for the work he does in the run up to Christmas every year ensuring no child goes without.
He donates in excess of £15,000 in toys to bring joy, dignity and hope to hundreds of struggling Preston families.
A supporting statement submitted for his nomination said: “Byron Highton is the true definition of selfless community spirit.
“While many know him for his national knife crime education work through The JJ Effect, few realise the depth of what he does locally in Preston — especially at Christmas.
“For several years now, Byron has led a one-man mission to make sure no child in Preston goes without at Christmas.
“He doesn’t just support families — he transforms Christmas for them.
“Every year, he spends four months preparing, organising, fundraising, collecting, wrapping, and delivering toys to children who would otherwise have nothing.
“This is not through a big organisation or funded project. It’s Byron, using his own time, energy, networks and reputation to pull off what can only be described as extraordinary.”
Due to popular demand, the Lancashire Post, Blog Preston and Central Radio have joined forces with Preston City Council, to launch the Proud Preston 2026 Awards to be celebrate our fabulous city’s unsung heroes and organisations.
Vanessa Sims, editor of the Lancashire Post, said: “We have been completely overwhelmed with the huge numbers of nominations we have had for the inaugural Proud Preston Awards.
“Every one of the entries are clearly so deserving. It’s wonderful to read the individual stories about how so many people are contributing to making Preston the great city it is.
“The judges have a very difficult decision on their hands. If you haven’t nominated your community heroes don’t delay entries close on February 5.”
With 14 categories recognising outstanding achievements of Prestonians across the business, community and voluntary sectors there is a category for everyone.
Charity Hero of the Year award recognises an individual or team who is an ambassador for charity working and a role model for the charity/charities. The nominee should have made an outstanding contribution to a charitable cause or organisation and demonstrate leadership, commitment, or fundraising excellence.
Explaining why Byron Highton should be crowned Proud Preston’s Charity Hero of the Year, his nominator said: “This award should go to someone who shows what it means to be Proud of Preston.
“Byron lives that every day. He inspires others to give, to notice, to care. And while others talk, he delivers — quietly, passionately, and always for the right reasons. There is no one more deserving.
“In a world where people talk — Byron acts. His selflessness, dedication, and authenticity embody everything this award is about. He is not just “Proud of Preston”. He makes Preston proud.”
To nominate your hero simply visit www.proudprestonawards.co.uk before Thursday 5 February.
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