A twelve-year-old who shaved his head to raise money for the NHS has been recognised with an award.

Jimmy Bixby, 12, from Epping Forest, managed to raise £2,239 for NHS charities since lockdown began.

Originally, Jimmy hoped to raise just £250 to support the NHS, but his head shaving fundraiser managed to gain a much larger support than he anticipated.

The Jack Petchey Foundation launched a community awards scheme to nominate and recognise young people from London and Essex who are helping their community during the coronavirus outbreak.

Gaynor Mann, Jimmy’s nominator, said: “Jimmy wanted to help the community and raise some money for the NHS. We are extremely proud of his efforts.”

He was awarded £50 from the Jack Petchey Foundation and received a letter from Sir Jack to congratulate him on going the extra mile to help others during lockdown.

Trudy Kilcullen MBE, CEO of the Jack Petchey Foundation said: “At the Jack Petchey Foundation, young people inspire us all the time with the incredible work they do and that has not stopped in the current situation.

“We want to recognise more young people across London and Essex doing inspirational things to help their community and hope these Community Awards will motivate others and truly showcase the positive things young people do every day.”