St Wilfrid’s RC College, pupil Luke Hedley honoured for community spirit
Luke Hedley, a pupil at St Wilfrid’s RC College, has been awarded the prestigious Gold Blue Peter Badge in recognition of his outstanding commitment to charity and community service. What a remarkable achievement!
The year 9 student was surprised to receive the honour during the Newcastle Eagles basketball game on Friday 23 January, where he had been invited to serve as Captain Darius Defoe’s mascot.
Unbeknown to him, the packed stadium was moments away from applauding his extraordinary efforts. Following the team introductions, the announcer shared Luke’s inspiring story before Darius Defoe presented him with the coveted Gold Badge at centre court.
A generosity that knows no bounds
Over the past ten months, Luke has raised more than £2,000 for the Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team by designing and selling his own 3D-printed safety whistles. His generosity has extended even further through leading a Christmas toy appeal supporting South Shields Fire Service and local children’s care homes.
After the presentation, Luke was invited to meet the Eagles players and Head Coach Marc Steutel, who praised him as “truly amazing” and encouraged him to be proud of all he has accomplished.
Luke also received a signed basketball and had his South Tyneside Basketball Club jersey autographed by the full team, which he now plans to have framed. Reflecting on the evening, Luke said he “was not expecting that” and was thrilled to receive his Gold Blue Peter Badge.
Embodying the St Wilfrid’s ethos
Caroline Collings-Backhouse, Assistant Headteacher at St Wilfrid’s RC College said, “Luke continues to represent St Wilfrid’s with extraordinary commitment to charity. He truly embodies our St Wilfrid’s ethos: his fundraising work, community spirit, and generosity are an inspiration to us all. Receiving the Blue Peter Gold Badge is a well-deserved honour, and we are immensely proud of him. Luke is a shining example of what it means to live out our school values, and we know he will continue to achieve remarkable things.”
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: ““Luke’s dedication to his community and the incredible impact he’s had is truly inspiring. It’s fantastic to see a young person combining creativity, generosity, and initiative to make a real difference, and this Gold Blue Peter Badge is a well-deserved recognition of his outstanding efforts.”
Luke’s 3D-printed safety whistles are available for purchase at: The Sill National Discovery Centre, LD Mountain Centre, Newcastle, The Steamboat Pub, South Shields, Twice Brewed Inn, Hadrian’s Wall, Walltown Countryside Park & Visitor Centre, and at Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team events.
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