Bolton: The Diana Award awarded to inspirational young person

Milan Paul Kumar has been honoured with The Diana Award.

The award is the most prestigious accolade a young person aged 9-25 years can receive for their social action or humanitarian work.

Ten-year-old Milan had been nominated for the award by the National Literacy Trust, which he raised £10,000 for to mark his 10th birthday.

Milan recently celebrated his 10th birthday by raising £10,000 for the National Literacy Trust

Milan said: "I want to thank the National Literacy Trust for nominating me for this amazing award and to family and friends for your never-ending love and support.

“The incredible kindness and generosity of strangers who have supported me proves together we can make the world a better place."

Milan’s mother, Daxa Kumar, said: “"I fondly remember Princess Diana visiting Bolton School almost 30 years ago to open the Arts Conference Centre.

“Today I am so proud of my son, Milan, receiving the most prestigious accolade in her memory at such a young age."

The Diana Award is the most prestigious accolade a young person aged 9-25 years can receive for their social action or humanitarian work

Milan's dad, Paul, added: "Young people face huge challenges, but the future is bright, they can make a difference and change the world."

At aged nine, Milan was awarded the ‘British Citizen Award 2021’ for charitable fundraising to support children and families most affected by Covid-19.

During the first lockdown, he read 50 books in three months and was inspired to join the ‘National Literacy Trust’, where for ten days he cycled 50 laps of the University of Bolton Stadium.

Milan completed another challenge in 2021 which involved five days of hiking, cycling and skiing. He wrote and self-published his own book, 'Covid Christmas Parade', with all proceeds going to the charity, and was congratulated by the Prime Minister.

A letter Milan previously received from Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, congratulating him on becoming Bolton's Young Person of the Year

He also took part in the 'My Dear New Friend' scheme, supporting 15 care home residents to help combat isolation and loneliness.

Milan also won The Bolton News’ Young Person of the Year Award this year for his efforts.

Tessy Ojo CBE, CEO of The Diana Award, said: “We warmly congratulate our new Diana Award recipients from the UK and across the world who are changemakers for their generation.

“It is especially poignant as we remember Princess Diana twenty-five years on. We know by receiving this honour they will inspire more young people to get involved in their communities and begin their own journey as active citizens.”

Established in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, the Award is given out by the charity and has the support of both her sons, The Duke of Cambridge and The Duke of Sussex.