Sussex Boy Ravi, 9, Collects Prestigious British Citizen Youth Award

A Sussex youngster and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist collected his British Citizen Youth Award yesterday (Sunday).

Ravi Adelekan, nine, from East Sussex, was presented with the BCyA Medal of Honour by Alison Bond, BCyA Schools Programme Lead.

Having raised £135,000, this inspirational young man does not let his Brain Tumour diagnosis hold him back, instead, it drives him to help others with a similar diagnosis to follow their dreams.

Ravi was aged just six when diagnosed with a benign brain stem tumour.

After a gruelling 10-hour surgery, doctors were unable to remove the entire tumour, leaving Ravi to face its effects daily.

Despite the challenges, Ravi was determined to embark on a journey of recovery, fuelled by courage, resilience, and a zest for life.

His experience ignited a deep desire to help others, so on the first anniversary of his surgery, Ravi launched a mission to fundraise for medical research and raise awareness of brain tumours.

His initiative, ‘Ravi's Dream’, became a beacon of hope for children and families affected by brain tumours.

Two years ago, Ravi launched ‘Dream Week’, distributing educational packs to schools encouraging activities centred around following dreams and helping others.

This has resulted in him organising a Charity Football Match and children's football tournament, a fashion show featuring models who were all children affected by brain tumours, and the assembly of 50 people from his community to perform on Britain's Got Talent.

The British Citizen Youth Award, now in its ninth year, honoured 21 young people yesterday (Sunday) from across the UK that have made a difference in their communities and to society.

Each inspirational young person received The British Citizen Youth Award Medal of Honour, presented at The Palace of Westminster where the official presentation ceremony was held.

Each young medallist is invited to use the post-nominals BCyA as a legacy of their achievements and commitment to others.

Hosting the event today 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!”