Matthew handed his hero honour
Four-year-old fundraiser’s joy
With his doting mum by his side, little superstar Matthew Dorman picked up his Young Local Hero Award at The Centre, Livingston .
Little Matthew (4), from Broxburn received the award in recognition of helping to raising funds and awareness with his mum for Bliss Scotland.
Matthew, who was born prematurely at 29 weeks in 2014, is often very poorly but still has a big smile on his face and continues to amaze his mum Coady, who nominated him.
He was born 11 weeks early weighing 2.5lbs, has been in and out of hospital over 150 times since birth for everything from surgery and admissions to clinic appointments and emergencies, but continues to smile through it.
His mum Coady was herself was nominated last year as a Local Hero for her fundraising efforts for Bliss Scotland, which is the UK’s leading charity for babies born prematurely or sick.
Coady, who decided to volunteer with Bliss Scotland, after the incredible support she received following Matthew’s birth, said: “Matthew really is my little hero.
“He’s had many ups and downs over the years and it never gets him down – he is strong, brave and my little star who gives me so much strength and happiness every day, which is why I nominated him.
“Thank you so much to The Centre, Livingston for giving him this Young Local Hero Award which I know he’ll cherish for rest of his life.”
The Young Local Hero Award was set up in January, following the success of the Local Hero Awards to highlight outstanding young people within the community that have gone the extra mile to help others.
This year The Centre has rewarded 12 youngsters, including Matthew, who have all received a £100 Gift Card to spend in The Centre and a framed certificate.
Ashley Bisland, Deputy Director of The Centre, Livingston said: “We are delighted to able to present Matthew with our last Young Local Hero Award of the year for his exceptional work helping his mum to raise money for a charity which is very close to them, Bliss Scotland, and for his incredible bravery and strength during periods where he’s been poorly.
“It’s been fantastic to be able to give recognition to so many little heroes in the community this year, who have all been hugely deserving of the Award.”
Courier editor Marjorie Kerr added: “Congratulations to little Matthew was has overcome such a lot and always does so with a smile on his face.
“His is a truly deserving winner of our Young Local Hero Award and we’re looking forward to rewarding more young people.”
Due to the success of the Awards over the last 12 months, The Centre will continue to run the Young Local Hero Awards to give recognition and reward our little heroes who have excelled themselves.
If you know a youngster, whether it’s your sibling, child or friend who has gone the extra mile to help others, such as volunteering in a community group, fundraising or caring for family members or perhaps even someone who has excelled at school or a sports club and deserves recognition, please send an email with the details to Debbie.hall@reachplc. com.
We are delighted to present Matthew with our award