matthew akpan

My name is Matthew Akpan I am 35 from and based in Leeds, I have Aspergers,

I was diagnoised in 2013, after having failed to progress onto the 3rd year of university.

After being estranged and having a sort of breakdown from my parents between the ages 17 and 22.

I was racially abused during my high school years being the only person of a different colour on my school bus.

following the diagnosis I was able to get support and my degree in sport, leisure and culture

I have worked in the same retail job for over 12 years and I am constantly not given tasks at work due to the perception that the supervisors have of me not being able to complete tasks. where other members of staff are given responsibilites and thus more hours of work.

I have used my struggles to volunteer at mega events like commonwealth games 2022 as a medal bearer

I feel it is these struggles that have people calling my a inspiration and celebrity and those who have nominated me for this award so I can continue inspiring further.


I have 3 Guinness world records, 2 for running dressed up as John Cena over the marathon and half marathon distance, and the other for guessing the most amount of WWE wrestlers theme tunes in 1 minute.

I started off doing my first world record as a tribute to my late father who passed away from kidney failure in 2021.

I filmed a episode for BBC Scam interceptors which aired Thursday 5th February 2024.

I have raised over 1000 pounds for the charity Bethany's smile (Celebrity Bethany Hare's charity) and Victim support charity

I will be running the great north run for my fourth world record

On 2nd and 3rd March 2024 I was at a wrestling convention called for the love of wrestling I was a guest speaker talking about my journey.

I was recently a contestant on ITV the chase (17th October 2023).


I have also been nominated for the outstanding courage at the 2024 Yorkshire choice awards


I am on the 2024 National television awards red carpet with the celebrities