Express & Star

The Great Big Thank You Awards: Winner Louis makes nominations appeal

Louis Johnson today urged readers to play their part in our Great Big Thank You Awards.

Published
Louis Johnson, 10, from Tettenhall, with mother Teresa

The ten year old proved to be a star of the show at the very first awards – and says it has helped to boost his fundraising efforts.

He was named Young Star of the Year and so far he has been going from strength to strength.

The youngster said: “I was really shocked that I got it because all the other children that were nominated looked good.

“I have a lot of fun raising money. There is one coming up which is a bean bath that I am really excited about.

“Not many of my other friends do it and I do it to help others and to help the charity. The highlight of the awards night was meeting the other kids and finding out what they do.”

Louis also made friends with Isabella Lyttle, from Walsall, who was a finalist for the same award, and was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at three years old.

The pair have kept in touch since forming a special friendship when meeting at the glittering ceremony at Molineux in January and she will often go along to his fundraising events to show support.

Louis’ mother, Teresa, said people have supported him now more than ever since he was the Young Star winner at the Great Big Thank You Awards.

The pupil from Christ Church Junior School, of Tettenhall Wood, raised more than £7,000 for good causes including Cure Leukaemia – a charity backed by Wolves keeper Carl Ikeme after he was diagnosed with the disease – through bake sales and raffles.

She said: “He doesn’t do it for the medals, he does it to get other people to do what he does and he is getting more children doing fundraising.”

Nominations are now open for the eight awards up for grabs at our next Great Big Thank You Awards to recognise unsung heroes from the community.

Other awards include Ambassador of the Year, Community Champions, Fresh Start Award, Fundraiser of the Year, Learner Award, Teacher of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.

To nominate someone special, visit www.starthankyou.expressandstar.co.uk or complete the form in tomorrow’s paper.

Nominations close at midday on August 21.