A young West Cumbrian fundraiser was given a once-in-a-lifetime experience after being invited to a St George’s Day reception at Number 10 Downing Street.
Frankie McMillan, 10, and his mum Basia attended the event as a guest of Whitehaven & Workington MP Josh MacAlister.
The reception, hosted by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to mark St George’s Day, brought together people from across the country making a difference in their communities.
Frankie aims to climb the 32 highest mountains in Europe by next summer. If successful, Frankie will secure a new world record.
So far, he has raised over £25,000 for charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). His target is £50,000.
Frankie’s efforts are in honour of his school friend Xander, who lives with a life-threatening heart condition.
Frankie hopes to help bring free heart screenings to young people in West Cumbria, where there is currently no local provision.
Mr MacAlister said it was an honour to invite Frankie and his mum, who is a member of Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team, to the event.
He said: “Frankie is an inspiration to all of us. What he’s doing at such a young age is incredible – not just climbing these mountains, but doing it to help save lives.
“It was fantastic to have him and Basia with me at Downing Street for St George’s Day. He represents the very best of West Cumbria, and I know the whole community will be behind him.”
Frankie said he was really excited to visit Downing Street and take part in the celebrations.
He said: “It was amazing to meet the Prime Minister and tell him about my fundraising campaign. I’m climbing mountains because I want to help my friend Xander and other children.
“If we can raise enough money, more kids can get their hearts checked and it could save lives.”
Josh added: “This is what St George’s Day is all about – celebrating people who go above and beyond for others. I’d encourage everyone locally to support Frankie if they can.”
