16 February 2021
Our very own Shaun Mayall has just received one of the most prestigious awards in the county for his recent fund raising efforts.
The ‘Points of Light’ award is given to people who are making a change in their community. Every week day the Prime Minister recognises an inspirational volunteer with the Daily Point of Light award.
First established by President George H. W. Bush in 1990, over 6,000 US Points of Light have been recognised in the USA. UK Points of Light was developed in partnership with the US programme and launched in the Cabinet Room at 10 Downing Street in April 2014.
Shaun and his Mum Helen received support from the Suicide Bereavement Support (SBS) following Andy’s death, a small charity with self-help support groups across Cumbria. After a suggestion from Mrs Winter, Shaun was inspired to take on a challenge not only in his father’s memory but to provide vital funds for the charity. Completing a 10km run dressed as the comic hero Dennis the Menace, his Dad’s favourite character, Shaun’s fundraiser has inspired hundreds of people to donate towards SBS and help provide support to other families in the area affected by suicide.
In a personal letter to Shaun, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“Well done on your fantastic fundraising for ‘Cumbria Suicide Bereavement Support’!
“With your dad’s favourite character, Dennis the Menace, you have completed 10km challenges and inspired people to make generous donations that will help other families like yours.”
Shaun said:
“When my mum told me I had won the Points of Light Just Giving award my first words were ‘jeepers creepers’. I was blown away, astounded and felt so proud.
“This is a huge milestone in my life because the Prime Minister picked my story out of thousands upon thousands. Thank you!
“I want to thank EVERYONE who has donated for SBS, this will help lots of people. I would like to dedicate this award to my dad Andy, Felix who nominated me and Mrs Winter my teacher. I will always live by this motto, ‘be resilient, work hard, be kind, talk and listen.”
Shaun is one of the most hard-working, conscientious students in our school and is a true role model to the rest of the pupils.
We are looking forward to welcoming all of the children back to school as soon as we are given the green light and we will certainly be celebrating this achievement!