Sam in contention for Radio One Teen Hero Award

A COURAGEOUS teen who overcame a cardiac arrest and is campaigning for all schools to have a defibrillator has been nominated for a Radio One Teen Hero Award.
Comedian Russell Howard with All Heart Campaign founder Sam MangoroComedian Russell Howard with All Heart Campaign founder Sam Mangoro
Comedian Russell Howard with All Heart Campaign founder Sam Mangoro

Sam Mangoro, 17, of Limbrick Close, Maybridge, suffered a heart attack in March 2014, midway through a PE lesson.

Teachers worked to save his life, using a recently acquired defibrillator as paramedics made their way to the scene.

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Since the life-changing incident, Sam has set up the All Heart Campaign and is hoping to raise £5,000 to establish it as a charity. He has organised a winter ball to take place on March 6, which he hopes will raise enough money to reach that target.

Speaking about being a finalist at the prestigious Radio One Teen Awards, Sam said: “It’s amazing. It’s such a big thing, you know. I’ve had some local awards but this is really really big and I thought ‘wow’. It’s made me realise what I’m doing is making a bigger impact than I first thought. I’m overwhelmed really.

“When I found out I was in the top 20 and then the top 10 I was really shocked. If you told me this is where my life would be just after my cardiac arrest I wouldn’t have believed you.

“So much has happened. I have met so many amazing people and been to so many amazing places. It’s really taken my life in a new direction. I have never been one of these people to have one target. I have never known what I have wanted to do. This is a sign for me. This is really what I want to do from now on.”

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Sam said he hasn’t been told who nominated him for the award, but he thanked them for it.

The awards ceremony is taking place on Sunday at the SSE Arena, Wembley.

Hosted by Radio One DJ Nick Grimshaw, the line-up for this year’s event includes Little Mix, Nick Jonas, 5 Seconds of Summer, and All Time Low.

However, Sam isn’t phased by the limelight, having appeared on BBC’s The One Show and met comedian Russell Howard.

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At the heart of the awards are the teen heroes – young teens selected for their selfless, brave and exceptional achievements.

Hundreds of teen heroes were nominated by Radio One listeners for their outstanding achievements with the winners to be selected by a panel of judges consisting of previous teen hero winners, and Radio One DJs.

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