9-year-old Cleveleys NHS fundraising champion wins Layton Juniors award

Dalton Gearing, nine, won the Layton Juniors Ambassador Award for his fundraising efforts for Blue Skies

Dalton Gearing, of Carr Gate in Cleveleys, spent the lockdown on his driveway after setting up a stall to raise money for Blackpool Victoria Hospital's in-house charity, The Blue Skies Hospitals Fund.

Dalton raised over £1000 for the charity after giving his books, toys and new items from others away, with the option to donate.

The Manor Beach primary school pupil received the prestigious Ambassador Award from his football club, Layton Juniors, in acknowledgement of his fundraising efforts.

Dalton Gearing, nine, won the Layton Juniors Ambassador Award for his fundraising efforts for Blue Skies. He was presented with the award by club secretary Paul Precious (right), U10s coach Joshua Woodall (top left) and U10s manager Colin Brooksbank (top right).

Paul Precious, secretary at Layton Juniors for the past 12 years, said: "We're all extremely proud of Dalton, it's been a difficult few months for everyone but he really embraced it, he's remarkable.

"We give the Ambassador Award out every year to anyone who has achieved something outstanding. The club's executive committee decided Dalton should receive it this year because he's done such a fantastic job raising the money.

"Recipients can keep their awards, and they go down in the club's history. We're relieved to be back on the pitch now, football is so important for the children's mental health and fitness."

Dalton's mum Samantha, who is a parent rep at the club, said: "Dalton was absolutely over the moon to receive this award, and it was so unexpected.

"He also got the clubman of the year award for his amazing work during lockdown. It was a complete surprise and we're all so proud of him."