Two pals have received special recognition from the Prime Minister after raising over £220,000 for children’s cancer charities.
Hughie Higginson, from Burnley, and Freddie Xavi, from Whalley, have been given a Points of Light award which is presented on behalf of Mr Johnson and recognises those who are making an outstanding change in their community.
Through their running challenges, Hughie and Freddie, aged 12, have raised hundreds of thousands for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity.
They are currently in the middle of a ‘football pitch challenge’ where they hope to raise even more money for oncology awards around the country.
Their aim is to run 100km around the 92 football pitches in the Premier League and English Football League.
MP Nigel Huddleston presented the award to them last Friday (18 March) at Blackpool Football Club.
He said: “Huge congratulations to Hughie Higginson and Freddie Xavi, who I presented a
Point of Light award to yesterday at Blackpool FC on behalf of Boris Johnson in recognition of their fundraising efforts for cancer patients.
- READ MORE: Burnley pals put football rivalries aside to raise charity money at Blackburn Rovers
- READ MORE: Paddy McGuinness joins Hughie and Freddie in charity run
Hughie and Freddie said: “We are humbled and honoured to receive the Points of Light recognition from the Prime Minister.
“What started as one friend simply wanting to help another through his cancer treatment has turned into an amazing journey where we have met some truly inspirational and incredibly kind people.
“We have been able to raise thousands of pounds to help poorly children at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and other children with cancer across the country, and we hope to continue to raise money together as best friends and inspire other children to help their friends too.”
Nigel Evans, Freddie’s local MP for Ribble Valley, said:“I am absolutely delighted that the incredible work of Freddie and Hughie is being recognised in this way.
“Such positivity has come from these youngsters and it goes to show how much can be achieved when such determination and commitment is displayed.
“Cancer is always a tragedy, however it is so much worse when children are affected. The fact that these two young people have done such an enormous amount to raise funds to help support others is heart-warming.
“They are both role models and examples for their generation.”
Hughie was diagnosed with ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) in 2020 and began urgent treatment at the children’s hospital.
Freddie ran 2km every day in the 50 days leading up to Christmas Day 2020, raising over £220,000 for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity.
In November 2021, they were given a Pride of Britain award for their fundraising efforts.
To donate to Hughie and Freddie’s fundraising visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/freddie-xavi or text FRIENDSHIP to 70450 to donate £5. Texts cost £5 plus one standard rate message.
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