A ten-year-old boy from Derby got a wonderful surprise when he was given a Young Volunteer of the Year award at a special evening celebrating the city’s community heroes.
Corey Dobson, of Spondon, was amazed when his name was called out at the Derby Voluntary Service Awards from Community Action Derby in partnership with Derby Homes and supported by Cosy Foundation.
The ten-year-old was honoured in the awards for his work raising more than £2,000 for the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre.
Corey raised the money after being a guest at the centre on several occasions and then learning it could not open last year due to a shortage of funds.
Devasted by the news, he resolved to do something about it and undertook a 100-mile sponsored walk over the course of a month, plus cake sales at his school: Springfield Primary.
Corey’s efforts impressed the charity so much he was made its junior ambassador and its chief executive Janine Holmes said she could not be happier he had won the award after nominating him herself.
Janine said: “Corey was brilliant in raising so much money for us so we could help other children have a holiday just as he did. We are so grateful to all our fundraisers and for him to have raised so much for us at such a young age shows commitment and spirit. It’s the kind of thing that lets us know our work is hugely worthwhile and we are very grateful. I’m delighted he has won this Young Volunteer award.”
Now Corey is keen to continue helping the charity by undertaking his next challenge: a million steps!
After huge fundraising efforts including from Derby Telegraph readers, supporters in Skegness and many other fundraisers The Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre has re-opened this year and welcomed its first busload of youngsters to the seaside in May.
Corey said: “I’m very glad that I was there because they have changed my life. It’s just really nice. I’m very glad that they were able to re-open.”
Mum Angie said she was delighted her son had won the award.
“It was lovely,” she said. “I’m really proud of Corey.”
Amanda Ellse from Cosy Foundation, who presented Corey with his award, said: “Well done Corey! I was absolutely delighted to be able to present this well deserved award.”
The Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre provides five-day stays at its specialist base in Skegness for primary-aged children who are nominated to go through their school if they might not otherwise get a break.
Children who attend face a range of challenges including financial difficulties, bereavement or other issues such as caring for relatives.
Janine added: “It’s brilliant that Corey has shown at a young age how important volunteering can be. We are now up and running again and volunteering is essential for us moving forward. If anyone is inspired by Corey’s example and would like to support us, please do get in touch via the website.”
Other news from Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre: WE DID IT – Charity WILL re-open in 2026
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