Young fundraiser wins Pride of Britain Award

An inspirational young boy from Sheffield has won a prestigious award for raising money and awareness for people with disabilities.
Tobias Weller has cerebral palsy, but his condition has not held him back, in fact it has motivated him to support others living with similar physical challenges.
The 11-year-old’s valiant efforts have been recognised by his loved ones who put him forward for a Pride of Britain award which champions unsung heroes across the country.
You can watch Weller collect his accolade for Good Morning Britain Young Fundraiser award tonight, October 27, on ITV.
In an interview with The Star Weller said: “I like pushing myself as hard as I can and enjoying myself at the same time so completing challenges lets me do this.”
Weller, who has also been diagnosed with autism, has raised over £158,000 for his school and Sheffield Children’s Hospital by completing two marathons and an Iron Man earning him the nickname ‘Captain’ in reference to the late Sir Captain Moore who inspired him to start his fundraising campaigns through lockdown.
The Iron Man challenge consisted of a 112 miles trek on his tricycle, swimming 2.5 miles and running 26 miles using a walking frame.
When he crossed the finish line Weller said: “It feels magnificent. This challenge has taken me over a year to complete. And I’m so excited I’ve finally reached my goal. I feel awesome.”
There was also the ‘Tobias in the Park’ event which raised cash for a new local playground after members of the public joined Weller for a sponsored walk.
Tonight’s award will sit beside his British Empire Medal which he received after being the youngest person celebrated in the New Year’s Honours List.
His mum, Ruth Garbutt, said: “I’m bursting with pride for what my son has accomplished and I’m delighted that his efforts have been recognised in so many ways. We could never have dreamed he might be able to do things like that and he’s done it and that makes me so so proud of him. I don’t think I’m going to be able to stop him from wanting to carry on setting himself challenges and meeting his targets and raising lots of money for charity.”
Host of the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards with TSB, Carol Vorderman, said: “Pride of Britain is all about the winners. We have so many nominations, and our team and judges work incredibly hard to make sure we are celebrating the most extraordinary people. Meeting them is the absolute highlight of my year.”
The Pride of Britain Awards is on ITV Tonight, October 27, at 8pm available afterwards on ITV Hub.