Jayanti Vaghadia

Nominated by Baldev Soni

A true community player, Jayanti Vaghadia has spent countless hours helping vulnerable people  in Brighton and beyond.

Born in Kenya, he came to Sussex in 1964 to finish his studies. After graduating as an engineer, he worked in the motor industry until retiring in 2013. Yet in his spare time, Jayanti has always looked out for others. From giving out soup on Brighton seafront in the 80s to volunteering as a befriender at Blind Veterans, he has brought joy to a lot of people. And over a 23 year period, he raised more than £24,000 for the British Heart Foundation through charity bike rides. 

If this wasn’t enough, Jayanti has also volunteered at the 2012 Olympics, picked fruit for the Fareshare food charity and helped out at his local library. During the pandemic he has done odd jobs for the elderly, plus cycled across the city twice a week to give out hot meals, sleeping bags and clothes to the homeless.

Known as a quiet and caring person who is always ready to help others, Jayanti has devoted his life to spreading kindness around Brighton.