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Dressed head-to-toe in a bright tin of beans costume, Neil Potter has become a familiar and much-loved presence in local villages, on greens, and outside shops as he collects grocery and cash donations for charity food banks.
His mission is simple: to help those in need – and he’s doing it in the most unforgettable way possible.
To date, Neil – with the support of his wife Mary - has collected an incredible 30,000-plus tins of food (and thousands of pounds in donations) for vulnerable people and families across our community. Neil, who is better-known locally as The Bean Man, says he genuinely loves what he does, and it shows in the energy and joy he brings to every collection.
He’s a great friend to local police, and your local officer regularly supports his work at food collection points in the community.
Recently, Neil’s even taken things a step further by dressing his Vauxhall car as a giant tin of beans to raise even more awareness.
In recognition of his outstanding efforts, Mercia Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) have proudly presented Neil with a Community Appreciation Award today, (Saturday 28 March), praising his dedication and the real difference he’s making to people’s lives.
And your local officer brought along some community leaders to join Neil and his wife Mary at a surprise celebration event at Willington Coop, including, Samantha Niblett, Member of Parliament for South Derbyshire; Dr. Fatima Eltinay, Derbyshire's Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner; The Reverend Steve Short, Vicar of St Wystan’s Church, Repton; and Councillor Matt Benfield, from Derbyshire County Council.
South Derbyshire is lucky to have Neil – proud that one person, a big heart, and a tin of beans can go a very long way.
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