A nine-year-old has been honoured with The Diana Award for his charitable efforts to support children and families most affected by Covid.

Milan Paul Kumar from Bolton has been recognised with the accolade which was established in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales. The Award is given out by the charity of the same name and has the support of both her sons, The Duke of Cambridge and The Duke of Sussex.

During the first lockdown, he read 50 books in 3 months and was inspired to join the ‘National Literacy Trust’, where for ten days he cycled 50 laps of the University of Bolton Stadium.

Milan completed another challenge in 2021 which involved 5 days of hiking, cycling and skiing. 

He wrote and self-published his own book, 'Covid Christmas Parade', with all proceeds going to the charity, and was congratulated by the Prime Minister. He also took part in the 'My Dear New Friend' scheme, supporting 15 care home residents to help combat isolation and loneliness.

Milan said: "I want to thank the National Literacy Trust for nominating me for this amazing award and to family and friends for your never-ending love and support.

"The incredible kindness and generosity of strangers who have supported me proves together we can make the world a better place."

Milan's mum, Daxa said, "I fondly remember Princess Diana visiting Bolton School almost 30 years ago to open the Arts Conference Centre. Today I am so proud of my son, Milan receiving the most prestigious accolade in her memory at such a young age."

Milan's dad, Paul added, "Young people face huge challenges, but the future is bright, they can make a difference and change the world."

Tessy Ojo CBE, CEO of The Diana Award, said: “We warmly congratulate our new Diana Award recipients from the UK and across the world who are changemakers for their generation. It is especially poignant as we remember Princess Diana twenty-five years on. 

"We know by receiving this honour they will inspire more young people to get involved in their communities and begin their own journey as active citizens.”

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Milan also received another letter from the Duchess of Cornwall for becoming 'Bolton News Young Person of the Year'.

Nominated by Bolton's Shannon Court & Bakewells Care Home. Milan became involved in the National Literacy Trust' s MyDearNewFriend writing project during the pandemic which encourages young people to write letters to people living in care homes.

The Duchess of Cornwall is also a patron of the National Literacy Trust and supports other elderly charities to combat isolation and loneliness such as Silver Stories. Milan is also involved with Silver Stories and reads to an elderly person on a weekly basis by telephone.