Pint-sized fundraiser Oscar Burrow was shocked and delighted to receive a coveted award from the Prime Minister.
Oscar, seven, of Lancaster, hit headlines across the globe earlier this year when he completed a mammoth endurance challenge, climbing 12 UK mountains to the height of Mount Everest.
The daring feat didn’t go unnoticed, and Oscar’s family were stunned to receive a Points of Light award from Rishi Sunak.
The youngster’s challenge has so far raised £40,000 for Derian House, the Chorley-based children’s hospice that cares for 400 babies, children and young people each year.
The cash is enough to send 40 families on a free week’s holiday to one of the charity’s fully-adapted lodges near the Fylde coast and the Lake District.
Oscar will be presented with his Points of Light award – reserved for outstanding people who are making a change in their community – in November.
MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, David Morris, and MP for Lancaster and Fleetwood, Cat Smith, will present Oscar with the award at his school – St Wilfrid's, Halton – at a special ceremony.
Oscar said: “Wow, I have a certificate from the Prime Minister who runs the country.”
In June, Oscar also received a letter from Prince William – in which the future king congratulated him for his “efforts to fundraise for Derian House Children’s Hospice in Chorley.
Oscar’s dad Matt said: “It is amazing that Oscar’s challenge has captured the interest of so many people. He got a letter from Prince William last month and to now receive the Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award is fantastic. We hope all the interest raises further awareness of the great work Derian House does for the families of our region.”
The youngster has also been nominated for two more awards. Oscar is up for the Charity Fundraiser of the Year Award in the Best of Lancashire Awards and the Best of the Bay Awards 2023. The announcements will be made at the end of September.
“Oscar is really looking forward to the awards,” said Matt.
“We have our fingers crossed, but whatever happens, we are so proud of everything he has done.”
Kerry Pritchard, community fundraiser at Derian House, said: “It’s amazing what Oscar has achieved for the children and families of Derian House, we are astounded at his dedication and energy.
“To receive a special award from the Prime Minister himself just says it all. Well done to Oscar! And good luck in the Best of Lancashire Awards, we all have our fingers crossed at Derian.”
It will cost £6million to run services at Derian House in 2023, and with just a small percentage of this coming from government funding, the charity relies on its kind-hearted supporters for 70p in every £1.
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