Lancashire student wins "Kindest Kid" accolade

Callum Flynn - Kindest Kid!

A Lancashire college student has been named as "Britain’s Kindest Kid" after topping the public vote in the national TV competition run by the Charities Aid Foundation and 5 News.

Cancer victim Callum Flynn, 16, from Leigh, received the news of his win during a surprise presentation at Myerscough College, where he studies.

He was presented with a trophy to recognise his achievement, by 5 News presenter, Peter Lane.

Callum also won £1000 pocket money and £1000 to give to a charity of his choice.

He has decided to award the prize money to the Bone Cancer Research Trust, the charity he has campaigned for over the past two years.

Since beating bone cancer at the age of 14, Callum has raised nearly £15,000 for the Bone Cancer Research Trust (BCRT), as well as speaking at the charity’s national conference to give others fighting the disease hope about life after cancer.

He supported the BCRT’s successful campaign to lobby NICE to approve the use of specific drug for bone cancer which included giving a presentation to a NICE panel of experts.

Callum’s fundraising activities range from organising a charity ball to a week-long “Pound the Streets” campaign which got members of his community in Leigh involved in his fundraising efforts, as well as the star cast of Coronation Street.

Callum also enlisted the support of his local Leigh MP, Andy Burnham, convincing the Government Minister to run the ‘Great North Run’ on his behalf.

A passionate and talented cricketer from an early age, Callum underwent aggressive knee replacement surgery to remove the bone cancer from his right leg.

Fearing he would not walk again, Callum’s dream of playing cricket at a professional level was all but over.

Now, two years on, Callum plays cricket with a titanium knee, and two weeks ago received a historic call-up to play for the England Physical Disability Cricket Team when they embark on a landmark first International Tour to Dubai in February 2012.

Once over the shock of this morning’s surprise award, Callum was his usual modest self, he said: "I still can’t believe I’ve won! I had no idea what was going on this morning, it’s all been a big surprise.

"I walked into the sports centre at College to find hundreds of my classmates and the Channel 5 film crew all waiting for me! I’m still a bit in shock to be honest and it’s going to take a few days to sink in. I’m giving the £1000 prize to the Bone Cancer Research Trust.

“They are such a fantastic charity and I know the money will really help. Hopefully by winning this award, it will help raise more awareness of their work and about the rare form of the disease.

"I want to thank everyone who took the time to vote for me and for supporting me over the past weeks, it really means a lot. I also want to say thank you to my whole family. They’ve been behind me all the way and without their support I wouldn’t be in this position.”

In recognition of his achievements, Callum visited Downing Street with the other four finalists to meet the Prime Minister, David Cameron, on 1 November.

David Cameron said: "All of the finalists of Britain's Kindest Kid are remarkable young people and I would like to congratulate Callum Flynn on being named as the overall winner for his work for the Bone Cancer Research Trust.

"This event is a great way of celebrating these young peoples' talent and dedication and I hope others will see this, be inspired by their incredible positive vision and think "I can do that."”

Ann Turner, Principal at Myerscough College, said: “Everyone at Myerscough College is so proud of Callum. He is so deserving of this award. All the hard work he’s put into raising money for the Bone Cancer Research Trust and awareness of the disease is inspirational. He has used his experience to help others and try and raise awareness for a rare disease. He’s such a special lad and deserves the title of Britain’s Kindest Kid.”

Matt Barbet 5 News presenter said: “Callum is a hugely deserving, and very inspirational, winner of Britain’s Kindest Kid. He beat strong competition because of his commitment to helping others after overcoming his own hurdles in life. He’s also a fantastic sportsman, and having met him, he is completely modest too! A great guy.”

John Low, Chief Executive of the Charities Aid Foundation, said: “What Callum has achieved since his illness has been truly remarkable. He has used his experiences to help others, raising not just cash but awareness about a disease that is not well known. He really deserves the title Britain’s Kindest Kid.”

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