Bolton 10-year-old meets Rishi Sunak for Covid charity work

Milan Paul Kumar, aged 10, from Bolton, was invited to 10 Downing Street with a personal invitation from the Prime Minister initially for the Christmas tree lights switch on.

He was invited to London because of his charity work.

In the summer, Milan was honoured with The Diana Award for his charity work.

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

During the first lockdown, he read 50 books in three months and was inspired to join the National Literacy Trust, where for 10 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.

After meeting Mr Sunak and his wife Ashkata Murty, Milan said: "I had the honour and privilege of meeting the Prime Minister and his wife at 10 Downing Street.

“They are such lovely, friendly, down to earth people. Thank you for welcoming me into your home."

The PM welcomed Milan into 10 Downing Street with a friendly smile and a "hi" and then his wife Ashkata led him up the stairs to the reception rooms, and asked Milan his name and chatted to him.

Milan’s mum, Daxa Kumar, said: “Milan spoke to Ashkata on two separate occasions and she remembered his name even though she had spoken to several others.

“An absolute lovely couple who welcomed Milan into their home. Milan even managed see Rishi again at the end to say 'bye and thank you.'

“It was a great atmosphere, Christmas carols were sung and music was played before the Christmas lights switched on.”

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