The Prime Minister has recognised Beau McKee, aged 11, from Cleator Moor, for raising over £30,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support by undertaking 501 runs over 501 days.
Inspired by his dad, ‘Marathon Man’ and 848th Point of Light Gary McKee, Beau decided to fundraise for the charity himself, committing to running at least three miles every day for the month of January 2018. Motivated to keep helping people, Beau extended his challenge to 501 days, ending 16 May. In the past year and four months, Beau has run every day, despite adverse weather conditions or holidays, inspiring his family and his entire community to join him in his daily runs. Last August, Beau also ran a half marathon, raising £1,500 to help a local woman with a rare cancer condition seek treatment in the USA.
Beau is the latest recipient of the Points of Light award, which recognises outstanding volunteers who are making a change in their community and inspiring others. Each day, someone, somewhere in the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their remarkable achievements. Beau received his award from his local MP Trudy Harrison at a surprise presentation at Arlecdon School.
In a personal letter to Beau, Prime Minister Theresa May said: “You should feel very proud of your extraordinary fundraising effort, completing a daily run for the last 501 days. The donations you have secured will have a profound impact on people’s lives, ensuring they receive the support they need. Well done for all that you have achieved!”
Trudy Harrison, MP for Copeland, said: “The grit and determination which Beau has shown throughout this challenge is fantastic. Following in the footsteps of his father Gary, Beau is exceptional, a shining star and is a credit to his family, Copeland and Britain.
“I am delighted Beau has been chosen to receive the Prime Minister’s Points of Light award for his outstanding voluntary work. He is an exemplary and inspirational young person who has shown initiative, strength and compassion.”
After receiving his award, Beau said: “I’m proud of myself. It felt amazing finishing the challenge but also sad at the same time because I didn’t want it to finish, I want to help people all the time.”
Beau is the 1174th winner of the Points of Light award, which has been developed in partnership with the hugely successful Points of Light programme in the USA. Over 6,000 Points of Light have been awarded in the USA, and former Presidents have publicly supported the partnership with Points of Light UK. There is a similar cross-party approach to the UK programme and MPs from different parties often present their constituents with their Points of Light awards.
Regardless of whether it’s a doctor restoring local monuments in her free time, a father teaching young people life skills, or a local musician giving a voice to lonely people, the Points of Light award honours shining examples of volunteering across the UK.
