Teenage Fundraising Hero
774. Andrew Davies
Andrew Davies has battled through challenging personal circumstances to raise over £125,000 for cancer care.
In 2012, Andrew, now 18 (in 2017), was diagnosed with Leukaemia and underwent three rounds of chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant at Sheffield Children’s Hospital. Inspired by the care he received, Andrew has raised awareness of the disease by writing newspaper articles and giving talks. In 2015, Andrew organised 16 sporting events in 16 hours at his school in Derbyshire, with over 800 pupils taking part to raise £9,000 for the Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity. Alongside taking his A Level exams, he worked closely with Children in Need, spoke at the Royal Albert Hall at ‘Children in Need Rocks for Terry Wogan’, and was featured on BBC’s The One Show.
In a personal letter to Andrew, Prime Minister Theresa May said:
“Your fundraising of over £125,000 for Sheffield Children’s Hospital is truly remarkable, and you have raised vital awareness about Leukaemia through speaking and media engagements. This is an inspiring response to your challenging personal circumstances and you should be very proud of what you have achieved, especially at such a young age.”
Andrew said:
“I am absolutely delighted to be chosen to receive this award. Sheffield Children’s Hospital saved my life so volunteering and fundraising for them is something I have been very passionate about over the last five years.”
Toby Perkins, Andrew’s local MP, said:
“Every time I have met Andrew he has been an inspiration. What he has achieved already in his young life is awe inspiring. Chesterfield is proud that his achievements continue to be recognised on the national stage, as he heads towards his target.”