Johnny Nelson MBE

Johnny Nelson MBE is a former WBO Cruiserweight World Champion, a Sheffield legend, and a lifelong advocate for young people. Raised in a city that taught him the value of resilience, discipline and community, his outlook was shaped by two extraordinary mentors: his mother Cynthia, and the trainer who first believed in him, Brendan Ingle MBE.

Brendan Ingle MBE was far more than a boxing trainer. From his famous gym in Sheffield, he proved that young people society had written off could become champions — not only in sport, but in life. His method was built on a simple, unshakable belief: given the right environment, guidance and expectation, every young person can rise. Johnny experienced this firsthand under Brendan's mentorship. The discipline, respect and sense of belonging fostered in that gym stayed with him long after his boxing career ended. It taught him that real transformation happens when someone sees your potential before you see it yourself — and stays beside you until you do.

That philosophy found its echo at home. His mother, Cynthia, was the heartbeat of the same belief. Her home was open to everyone — a place of Sunday lunches, second chances and unconditional welcome. Where Brendan built a community that saw potential, Cynthia built one that offered belonging. Together, they taught Johnny that every young person deserves to be believed in — and supported until they believe in themselves.

After Cynthia passed away in 2021, Johnny set out to honour both of these influences by creating Cynthia Care: a residential care project that offers young people aged 14 to 18 the safety, stability and love every child deserves.

Under Johnny's leadership, Cynthia Care is more than a charity. It is a promise to the next generation: that where they come from does not determine where they can go, and that with the right people around them, they can build homes, families and futures of their own.