George, a 9-year-old from Carleton Park Junior & Infant School part of Pontefract Academies Trust, has been awarded a “Mayor says thanks” recognition award for fundraising over £1,750 for children’s mental health charities and for continually giving up his own time to litter pick in his local area.
George was nominated by a local councilor who first saw him when he was completing his 100-mile walk in lockdown as part of the Captain 100 challenge. George hasn’t only litter picked but he’s now set up the Raptor Pickers, a group of around 14 friends who regularly meet up to litter-pick and go out by themselves to clean the streets.
George who loves nature, and has always been a big fan of David Attenborough and Steve Backshall who are big environmentalists said: “I know what damage is being done to the environment, animals and nature and I feel I have to do something to help. It makes the streets tidy for everyone. I want to educate everyone on what they can do to help to ban single-use plastics, use more renewable energy to help slow down climate change and save endangered animals from extinction.”
When meeting the Mayor, George said: “It doesn’t cost anything for everyone to do their own little bit to help, but if no one does anything it will end up costing the planet.”
Mr Ayre, Headteacher at Carleton Park Junior & Infant School said: “We couldn’t be prouder of George and he never ceases to amaze us with what he does next to help others. George recently earned a green Blue Peter badge and is an Eco Leader at school. George always has new ideas on what we can do as a school to continue to help the environment and we will always support him in any way we can. Well done George.”