Proud hospice fundraiser Keira receives her British Citizen Youth Award at the Palace of Westminster
Date published: 13 October 2023
Pictured (left to right) are: Kimberly Wyatt, Keira-Louise Arnold BCyA and Nicky Cox MBE, from First News
Fifteen-year-old Derker girl Keira-Louise Arnold has received her British Citizen Youth Award at the 2023 BCyA Roll of Honour ceremony at the Palace of Westminster in London.
Twenty-four young people from across the UK were recognised - all of them have made a positive impact on their communities and wider society.
These selfless young people have shown kindness and commitment to a multitude of causes, raising funds and awareness, and are all dedicated to making a difference.
Keira has been fundraising for the past seven years to support Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, raising over £47,000.
The hospice cared for her Dad Stephen before he passed away, when Keira was just four years old.
When she learned of the care and support her Dad received, she vowed to help the hospice in any way she could.
Keira set up ‘Keira’s Wishes’ to help those suffering from terminal illness achieve their final last wishes.
All funding is independent, ranging from making items to sell or participating in larger fundraising events.
As well as fundraising for the final wishes of patients, she also raises awareness of the hospice itself.
Hosting the presentation event in London was singer and actress Kimberly Wyatt, who is also a Patron of The British Citizen Youth Award.
Kimberly 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!"
Keira said: “I really enjoyed the day, it's really nice when you get recognised for doing something that makes you happy anyway.
"Hearing all the different stories from all the other young people there was good.
"It’s amazing how were all helping in our own way.”
Proud mum Stacey said: “It was heartwarming to see and speak to different young people and hear their stories about what's important to them and what they're doing to help the world little by little.
"Younger people that have probably already achieved more than I will in my lifetime.
"It was a really special day and I loved to be able to be a part of it.”
Adele Doherty, Chief Executive at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice in Royton, added: “Keira is just incredible, she has achieved so much at such a young age and has supported so many of our patients during the years, providing many of them with their last wishes, which is at the heart of everything that we do at the Hospice.
"We are so immensely proud of her, this award is very much well deserved, a huge congratulations to her from the whole of the Dr Kershaw’s team!”
Each Medal of Honour bears the words ‘For the Good of the Country’ and is presented to only a small number of exceptional young individuals annually.
The British Citizen Youth Award is widely viewed as the nation’s way of recognising extraordinary, everyday young people for exceptional endeavor and are truly representative of today’s multicultural Britain.
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2024 medal presentations - you can register online at: www.britishcitizenyouthawards.co.uk
Meanwhile, Keira is hoping to raise £50,000 by Christmas to support Dr Kershaw's and has set up a GoFundMe page here
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