A Gateshead teenager who has run a school uniform donation scheme is one of 500 "Coronation Champions" picked to mark the new King's crowning.
Tom Jackson, 19, has been chosen by the National Citizen's Service (NCS) in recognition of his work helping families. The A teenage volunteer from Gateshead has been chosen as one of the nation’s Coronation Champions as part of an official Coronation project organised by the Royal Voluntary Service.
Being a Coronation Champion means Tom will receive a specially designed commemorative pin and a certificate signed by His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort. He has also been invited to attend a royal garden party.
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Tom said: "Words cannot describe how joyous and proud I am to have won a Coronation award. It’s such an honour to be representing NCS and just amazing to see how much of an impact our project had.
"This project helped hundreds of people and this award wouldn’t have been possible without the help of my team and my community. NCS has played such a huge part in my journey in life and I am so proud of the work we have accomplished."
Tom is now taking part in a professional policing and law enforcement degree and Northumbria University. He initially set up the Gateshead Uniform Donation project when he was just 16.
What started as a week-long project became lasted across the summer, and has been continued in subsequent years. In winters Tom has collected warm coats and clothing for people who are homeless.
Jonny Marshall, of the NCS Trust, said: "It was a real pleasure to nominate Tom as a Coronation Champion and he should be incredibly proud of his achievements. His selfless actions have made a huge difference to his local community but also enabled him to build on his own strengths and experiences."
Catherine Johnstone CBE, chief executive of Royal Voluntary Service, said: "Our judges had a tough job selecting just 500 Champions from an array of thousands of inspirational individuals, who all deserve to be recognised and commended.
"Each of our Coronation Champions displayed a commitment and contribution that far exceeds any expectation and we’re overjoyed to honour and thank them during this exciting point in history."
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