After Michael Lonsdale, recently received the Jack Petchey Award for Fundraising, I had the opportunity to speak to him about his charitable efforts as a member of his Worcester Park Scout troop.
Scout, Michael Lonsdale (12 years old), and his troop have been raising money for Scouting events and a charity contributing to overseas aid, over the past year. The most exciting challenge saw the troop scale a large climbing wall in the car park of Waitrose in Worcester Park. The Scouts climbed the giant wall 540 times in 8 hours, raising money through sponsorships they had accumulated from friends and family. I interviewed Michael about his experience of fundraising and receiving this prestigious award.
Who nominated you for the award?
My scout leader, Paul Green, put me forward for this award. On the night, two other Scouts from my troop received awards also, one for rugby, and the other for navigational skills. I was the only scout from my troop who received a fundraising award.
How much did you raise?
I raised over £250, through asking friends and family to sponsor me, and they did. I think we all scaled the wall at least once but I climbed it 3 times successfully, and once we reached the top we had to press a large noisy buzzer to signal to the people below.
The challenge was to raise £50 sponsorship, but I collected over £250 in total. Our group raised a total of £2,400. The money contributed to two trips my Scout troop have been on this year, a mountain climbing trip at Easter in Wales and a trip to Holland in the summer, with another local troop.
What was it like receiving the award?
It made me feel like a presenter on a TV programme, when I was up on stage. I wasn’t very nervous, because I have been in front of an audience twice before in that kind of scenario. There were lots of people there receiving awards too, but only 3 from my troop had that opportunity.
Did you enjoy fundraising? What was your favourite part?
I did enjoy fundraising, and especially being at the top of the wall and pressing the buzzer, as it gave a good sense of accomplishment.
Has it inspired you to continue fundraising?
Yes, if I get the opportunity, I would like to continue fundraising. I would like to do something different, but I enjoyed the outdoors element to the activity as it made the experience more interesting than fundraising indoors.
Michael and his fellow winners were presented with their awards on 16th November at the King’s Centre by the Jack Petchey Foundation, who allow youth organisations and schools to showcase the achievements of the young people they mentor. Michael found the fundraising experience rewarding and was also delighted to be recognised recently in a Year 8 Celebration Assembly at his school. It is evident that his family and friends are overjoyed by the recognition of his achievements.
Kathryn Loosley, Tolworth Girls' School & Sixth Form
