A SELFLESS schoolboy, who is one of the youngest ambassadors in the country for a national campaign, has been nominated to be a Christmas Star.
Ryan Bickle, of Barrow, is the youngest of 50 inspirational #iwill campaign ambassadors in the UK who represent Step Up to Serve.
The 10-year-old was selected as an ambassador by the charity after being recommended by his school, Victoria Academy, for his acts of kindness, fundraising and positive attitude to find solutions to problems.
Step Up to Serve felt Ryan was perfect to spread the social action message in Cumbria. It wants to get 1.5 million 10 to 20-year-olds involved in volunteering, fundraising and community campaigning by 2020.
Ryan was a guest at the charity's celebration in London where he rubbed shoulders with Prince Charles, the charity's patron, former England rugby captain Lawrence Dallaglio and Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid. The breakfast TV presenter went on to mentioned Ryan and show his photograph on Good Morning.
Ryan's highlight was meeting the other young ambassadors and Susanna Reid.
He is planning to lead assemblies to inspire other young people. His motto is “If everyone was nice to each other the world would be a better place.”
After his granddad, Jeff Bickle, died, Ryan did something positive by raising money for the Multiple System Atrophy Trust and St Mary’s Hospice to help others like his granddad.
He held a jumble sale and sold lemonade in his neighbourhood, moving to busier streets to raise more money.
Ryan also made loom bands for Children in Need, he gives some of his birthday money to a charity, and he donates items to charity shops.
Ryan persuaded his dad, Andy Bickle, a chef at Furness General Hospital, to help his school's healthy eating projects. Now every Year Three class works with Mr Bickle to design and make healthy meals for the children’s ward.
Ryan also helps his great grandma who can’t see very well to walk her dog. His latest projects have been helping to lead his school's Harvest food campaign for older people and packing shoeboxes with gifts for Romania children.
Ryan has been nominated by his aunty Alison Bickle and family to be a North-West Evening Mail Christmas Star.
Christmas Stars is sponsored by Heaths toy store in Dalton Road, Barrow. Two children will receive a host of gifts from Santa at their home.
Children can be nominated for courage in the face of adversity, or for kindness to help others.
Children can be up to the age 13 and the closing date is Monday December 14.
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