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Flynn Named Britain's Kindest Kid

Lancashire Disability Hardball player Callum Flynn has been named as Britain's Kindest Kid

The 16-year-old was crowned Briain's Kindest Kid after topping the public vote in the national TV competition run by the Charities Aid Foundation and 5 News.

Callum was surprised with the news about his win during a presentation at Myerscough College, where he is a student, receiving a trophy to recognise his achievement.  He also wins £1,000 pocket money and £1,000 to give to charity.

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 conferences 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 and taking part in the Great North Run, to a week-long “Pound the Streets” campaign which got members of his community in Leigh involved in his fundraising efforts.

In addition to his charity activities Callum is a gifted cricketer for Lancashire who has recently been called up to the England Disability Cricket Team.

Prime Minister David Cameron, who met Callum when the Britain’s Kindest Kid finalists visited Downing Street recently, 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."

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.”

Britain’s Kindest Kid, which is now in its fourth year, aims to recognise and reward the extraordinary achievements of children aged between 5 and 16.  The five finalists all demonstrated the impressive things they have done to improve the lives of others and make a real difference.