Today we celebrate the incredible news that 21-year-old Luke Millington has scooped the Rotary Young Citizen Award for his efforts in raising £60,000 for Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith.

Luke bravely shared his thoughts on living with the incurable muscle-wasting condition Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy for a video which became our Luke's Story fundraising appeal last Autumn. In it he told how Hope House, and especially his nurse Rachel, had supported him and made him see anything was possible.

As Luke said in the heart-warming film: “I’m in a wheelchair but it’s not the be all and end all – I just carry on. There is stuff I can’t do but what’s the point of thinking about what you can’t do?”

His story and incredible positivity captured everyone’s hearts and we were bombarded with messages for Luke, along with donations. Luke was thrilled, because the money raised will fund support for five more children with life-threatening conditions.

So impressed

Telford Centre Rotary were so impressed with Luke that they nominated him for the Rotary Young Citizen Award. Luke also helped the club with their Tree of Light – which commemorates loved ones at Christmas and raises money for Hope House and other local charities.

Celebrating his win, Luke said: “I would like to say a big massive thank you to the Telford Centre Rotary Club for nominating me for this fantastic Award. When Hope House approached me to become their Ambassador, I was thrilled with the opportunity to help raise funds for the charity that has help me and my family so much.

“Attending fundraising events has given me important life skills such as the confidence to take part in public speaking. It has also given me the opportunity to get involved with Rotary. When the world has come out of these unprecedented times, I hope to continue with helping Hope House and Telford Centre Rotary with other fundraising projects.” 

Trophy

Luke will receive a trophy, certificate and £300 to go towards his chosen project or charity from Rotary in Britain and Ireland. The Rotary Young Citizen Awards Presentation had been due to take place at the UK’s first-ever Volunteer Expo, organised by Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland at the NEC in Birmingham this month. But the event has been postponed until May 2021 due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Rotary in Britain and Ireland President Donna Wallbank said: “Luke shows how one person can make a difference to many others and highlights the need that is still there to help those who are not currently receiving the help that Luke is able to receive. Luke is obviously a passionate fundraiser and so very deserving of this award which in turn allows his voice to be heard for those he wishes to support too.”

As we went to press, a live interview by video link was being planned with Luke this Friday (May 22) on the BBC News Channel 'Afternoon with Simon McCoy' programme at 2.50pm.

If you missed Luke's award winning video, you can catch up and see it here.