Eleri, aged 7, has been shortlisted in the Young Hero category for the West Midlands in recognition of her fundraising efforts and ongoing support for Myton.

Eleri first began supporting Myton in 2024 when, at just six years old, she used the pocket money she had saved throughout the year to buy Christmas gifts for patients staying at our Warwick Myton Hospice.

Earlier this year, she took her support a step further by setting herself the challenge of walking and cycling the equivalent distance from Land’s End to John O’Groats – an incredible 874 miles – to raise money for The Myton Hospices. So far, she has completed 619.32 miles and continues to work towards her goal.

Eleri did not know she had been nominated for the BBC Make a Difference Awards until she was told she had reached the final. Her mum, Steph, had nominated her, wanting to recognise the effort and commitment she has shown. Steph said:

Eleri just cracks on and doesn’t always realise what an amazing thing she has done and continues to do, especially for someone so young. When I nominated her, I thought a nomination would give her a little boost during her long challenge, but for her to be in the final is just amazing. I could not be prouder of Eleri.

When she found out the news, Eleri was surprised but excited. She said:

I was so surprised! I was really happy when Mummy told me. I am so happy and am really excited to meet the other people at the awards evening.

Steph added:

Eleri was so shocked when I told her when I picked her up from school. She didn’t really know what to say, but she ran off to tell her teacher, which I think shows how pleased she was.

The news has also given Eleri extra motivation to keep going with her challenge. She said:

We got a takeaway and had a fun weekend with family! I also went on a long walk, as I felt really excited and wanted to get out and do more miles!

Reflecting on her nomination, Eleri said:

I think it says I have done something really good that I should be proud of myself. I am happy I have helped Myton and I want to continue helping.

She also hopes her fundraising will encourage others to get involved.

I hope it does inspire other children to get involved with charity work, as it is something I really enjoy and really like being able to help others.

Everyone at The Myton Hospices would like to congratulate Eleri on this fantastic achievement and thank her for the support she has shown.

The BBC Make a Difference Awards take place on Thursday September 10^th, and we wish Eleri the best of luck.

If Eleri’s story has inspired you to support Myton, there are lots of ways to get involved with fundraising. Whether it’s taking on a challenge, organising an event or supporting one of our campaigns, every contribution helps us continue caring for people living with life-limiting illnesses and their families across Coventry and Warwickshire.

Find out more here!