We are thrilled to announce that Derwen College student Theo Avraam has won the Environmental Award at the BBC Radio Manchester Make a Difference Awards!
Our 19-year-old Performing Arts student picked up the award at a special ceremony at Leigh Sports Village, where he and his family celebrated alongside people making an amazing difference in communities across Greater Manchester.
Theo was recognised for his fantastic litter-picking challenge, which has raised more than £4,000 for Down Syndrome Cheshire. He originally set out to collect 21 bags of rubbish during Down Syndrome Awareness Month, with the number representing chromosome 21. In true Theo style, he did not stop there and has now more than doubled his target!
His litter-picking journey began while he was completing the volunteering section of his Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards at Dee Banks School in Cheshire. Theo then had the idea of turning his efforts into a fundraiser, with help from his mum, Helen.
Smashed his target
Theo’s achievement is all the more remarkable because he kept the challenge going around major heart surgery. He collected 18 bags before his fourth heart operation and, after months of recovery, got straight back to litter picking. By World Down Syndrome Day, he had already smashed his original target.
At the ceremony, Theo received his award from BBC Radio Manchester Breakfast Show host Joe McGrath and Nidhi Sinha, a senior staff member at Manchester Cathedral. The award was presented on behalf of the Bishop of Manchester, who shared a video explaining why he had chosen Theo as the Environmental Award winner.
Helen said: “We were all treated like VIPs from the minute we arrived. Theo had chosen a pink theme for the family to wear and it turned out to be the colour the BBC had chosen too, so we matched the decorations! We had a lovely time meeting so many inspiring people doing great things in their communities. We felt humbled to be in a room full of amazing people giving so much of their time and themselves to others and good causes.”
And when Theo was asked how he planned to celebrate, his answer made us smile: “With my college tomorrow.” After just two weeks at Derwen College, it was lovely to hear that he already feels part of our community. We look forward to hearing how he will celebrate in his residence and with his Performing Arts peers.
We are all incredibly proud of Theo. A huge thank you to everyone who supported him and shared his story. Congratulations, Theo!
