World record breaker Ben’s selfless feats for charity win him top award
A YOUNG Guinness World Record breaker from Northern Ireland has been presented with a British Citizen Youth Award in London for his “extraordinary contribution to society, charities and good causes”.
Ben Mooney (11), from Crawfordsburn near Bangor, was presented with a medal by Ashley Banjo, leader of dance troupe Diversity, at the ceremony in the Palace of Westminster last Thursday.
His mother Pauline said: “During Ben’s early childhood he experienced a range of serious health issues including febrile convulsion and pneumonia. While he has no memories of these illnesses, Ben became aware at an early age how precious life is and how important being healthy is.
“Ben started his charity challenges and fundraising efforts at the age of five and hasn’t looked back.
“Ben’s most recent challenge was a kilt walk in Dundee and at the minute he is dreaming up his next amazing challenge.
“There is never a dull moment in our house.”
The year eight pupil at Campbell College was among 23 winners, but was the only one from Northern Ireland. He was nominated by Pauline.
The challenges he has completed include a MS Santa dash, a Resolution Run for the Stroke Association and CLIC Sargent’s Zombie Run for charity.
This year Ben, who is also an #iWill ambassador, finished a High Point 10,000m mountain walking challenge for Cancer Focus NI.
Andrea Ridgway, store director of Specsavers in Bangor, which was associated with the event, said: “As a partner of the British Citizen Youth Awards it is always uplifting to hear about the amazing things that local young people are doing within our community.
“Whether it be raising money for charity or helping those in need, we want to grow awareness of these achievements and inspire the next generation of children to make a similarly positive impact on society.”
Ben has Guinness World Records for a 1,997m paper clip chain and the world’s longest rubber band bracelet in 2014.
He also attempted the longest chain of cable ties — using more than 16,000.
From the paper clip and cable tie challenges the 11-year-old raised £1,450 for Marie Curie in memory of his grandmother.
In its third year, the British Citizen Youth Awards recognises children under 16 who positively impacted on charities, workplaces or community groups.