A teenager from Oldham has been recognised for his outstanding fundraising achievements by being given the town's Civic Appreciation Award.

Ibrahim Yousaf, who is known as Ibby, received the award during a ceremony at Mahdlo Youth Centre on Tuesday, July 11 with many in attendance including his family, teachers, NHS staff, his supporters and many followers.

The 17-year-old has helped raise money for 14 Oldham charities and his hospital charity over the last five years despite battling with his own health issues.

Ibby said: "Despite my health battle I still feel very blessed because I can still help to make a difference in Oldham, I couldn’t thank everyone enough from Oldham and beyond for all their phenomenal support over the years. 

"This isn't my Civic Award but the town’s award as I couldn’t have helped all these charities without all the incredible support from everyone over the years." 

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Ibby wants his Civic Award to remain at Mahdlo as he wants to inspire his generation and let everyone who has supported him know that the award belongs to them too.

The award was presented by four of Ibby’s heroes who were the first to support him, including his former school teacher at Hathershaw College Lorna Philip, from his former school Hathershaw College.

The others to present him with the award were Lee from Whittaker Design & Glenn from Breakey Nuttall, which were two of the first local businesses to support Ibby and have continued to do so, while Danny Simpson hosted the special evening. 

Ibby and his supporters have used Twitter to raise awareness and funds for many Oldham charities, as well as through his TeamIbby challenges, including bake sales, sponsors, auctions and more.

Each week he donates his pocket money to Oldham charities and every Eid, all his Eid money is donated.

Ibby has received many awards locally & nationally including the BCyA in June 2019 & became an Ambassador for the Awards in August 2019. 

He is also the youngest person in Greater Manchester to have been named New Year Honours List for a British Empire Medal when aged 13 he received the honour for services to the community of Oldham by the late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2020.