Charity fundraiser Hannah receives British Citizen Youth award in London

Date published: 24 October 2022


The British Citizen Youth Award, now in its eighth year, has honoured 25 young people from across the UK that have made a difference in their communities and to society.

They included 10-year-old Hannah Miah from Oldham, who was presented with the BCyA Medal of Honour by Julian Hall BCAe, CEO of Ultra Education and BCA Ambassador.

These selfless young people have shown kindness and a commitment to a multitude of causes, raising funds and awareness, all dedicated to making a difference.

Hosting the event was singer and actress Kimberly Wyatt, who is also a Patron of The British Citizen Youth Award.

She said: “Many of these kids have faced turmoil in their own lives yet still choose to be selfless and help others.

"I applaud you and your families for your hard work and dedication.

"You are the future, and your brilliant endeavours will make a difference!”

After watching a disheartening video about street children in Bangladesh during Ramadan 2021, Hannah reflected on how fortunate she was having a family and home.

She decided to undertake a 40km charity walk and initially set herself a target to raise £1,000.

Hannah superseded her goal and raised £15,620 for Muslim Charity.

Her efforts raised awareness of the daily struggles that children in Bangladesh are facing and helped Muslim Charity rescue children from the streets of Dhaka.

The UN claim there are an estimated 600,000 street children in Bangladesh.

Often, abandoned or trafficked into the most unspeakable of situations and facing the dangers and perils of street life.

Hannah raised awareness of the street children at school and in the community, explaining why it is such an important cause to raise funds for.

Hannah's success in 2021 inspired her to repeat the campaign in 2022.

She walked 50km and climbed Mount Snowden in memory of her late grandfather, raising £8,500 for Street Children, showing her commitment to continue charity fundraising.

Hannah also appeared on social media throughout her campaign and was interviewed by both television and radio journalists.

She took all the media attention in her stride, acting professionally throughout.

Dame Mary Perkins, Patron of the BCA, said: “The British Citizen Youth Award recipients are very special individuals.

"These young people all go above and beyond for others with selfless acts of kindness and community spirit with no thought or expectation of praise or reward.

"This medal ceremony is a great opportunity to shine a light on what they do and give them the recognition they so thoroughly deserve.

"They are the nation's true unsung heroes and the rising stars of the future.”


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