Derby Boy, 10, Wins Volunteer Award After Raising £2,000 for Charity That Changed His Life
By Charities Correspondent
A 10-year-old boy who helped raise thousands of pounds for a children's charity that he says "changed my life" has been recognised with a Young Volunteer of the Year award.
Corey Dobson, from Spondon, was presented with the honour at the Derby Voluntary Service Awards after raising more than £2,000 for the Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre.
The schoolboy launched his fundraising campaign after learning the charity, which had given him holidays in Skegness, would be unable to open last year because of financial difficulties.
Determined to help, Corey completed a 100-mile sponsored walk over a month and organised cake sales at Springfield Primary School, helping raise funds for the centre's future.
His efforts impressed charity leaders so much that he was later named a junior ambassador.
The Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre provides free five-day breaks in Skegness for primary school children who may not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy a holiday. Young people are nominated through schools and often face challenges including financial hardship, bereavement or caring responsibilities at home.
Following a major fundraising drive involving supporters across Derbyshire, the charity reopened this year and welcomed its first group of children back in May.
Good News Post
Corey said: "I'm very glad that I was there because they have changed my life. It's just really nice. I'm very glad that they were able to re-open."
His mother, Angie, said she was proud to see her son recognised for his efforts.
"It was lovely," she said. "I'm really proud of Corey."
Janine Holmes, chief executive of the Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre, nominated Corey for the award.
She said:
"Corey was brilliant in raising so much money for us so we could help other children have a holiday just as he did.
"For him to have raised so much for us at such a young age shows real commitment and spirit. I'm delighted he has won this Young Volunteer award."
Despite already raising thousands for the charity, Corey is not stopping there.
His next challenge is to complete one million steps during July to support the centre's work.
Amanda Ellse, of the Cosy Foundation, which supported the awards, said:
"Well done Corey. I was absolutely delighted to be able to present this well-deserved award."
If you have a positive story or uplifting news to share, we’d love to hear from you! Just email us at news@goodnewspost.co.uk.
