Express & Star

What a little superstar: Two-year-old gets gifts for those less fortunate after video appeal goes viral

Generous little Charlie Yates has collected a haul of selection boxes and goodies for children less fortunate after making a video appeal which has taken the world by storm.

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Charlie Yates

The two-year-old, from Brownhills, made the heart-warming video after learning some of the children at a special school in Birmingham were not lucky enough to have things like toys, books or gadgets.

The touching video has caught the attention of people like Sir Ken Dodd, actor John Challis and even Arabs living in Dubai.

He has since gone along to the school – Brays in Tile Cross – to hand over the stunning amount of gifts he collected.

Charlie raised a total of £225 through his fundraising appeal.

Proud father Darren (Yates) said: “On Christmas Day, children across the world were so excited to unwrap their presents.

“But for some children and their parents, unwrapping that box of chocolate from Charlie would have meant so much more.”

Stand-up king Sir Ken Dodd was so impressed with Charlie’s efforts he even named the youngster as one of his own ‘Diddymen’.

He said: “It is always heart-warming at this time of year to hear of those who do unselfish things to help others.

“But this young ‘Diddyman’ has proved to be exceptionally kind in his wonderful efforts to help so many others. I am delighted to shine a very large and bright spotlight upon him. Well done to a young man with a big heart.”

Only Fools and Horses’ star John Challis, who played Boycie in the long-running comedy, added that Charlie ‘really is a little superstar’. He said: “Charlie might only be small, but his efforts will certainly go a long way in making sure that some children will be much happier this Christmas.”

Charlie’s mother Katherine said: “To get messages from John Challis and Ken Dodd was absolutely amazing. It will be even better for Charlie when he’s a bit older and knows who they are.”