Hattersley boy shortlisted for BBC award after inspiring fundraising effort

A courageous seven-year-old boy from Hattersley has been recognised for his remarkable efforts to support a local hospice that cared for his mum in her final days.

Frankie Chadwick has been named a finalist in the BBC’s Make a Difference Awards, after helping collect more than 2,000 Creme Eggs for Willow Wood Hospice’s annual Bunny Hop appeal. The Year 2 pupil is one of just four young people shortlisted for a new category introduced this year – the Young Hero Award – which honours under-16s who have made an outstanding contribution to their community.

Frankie was nominated by Willow Wood Hospice’s fundraising team, following his heartfelt efforts to support the Ashton-under-Lyne facility where his mum, Gemma, received end-of-life care earlier this year. Gemma, who was just 46 when she passed away from brain cancer, spent 10 days in the Hospice’s Inpatient Unit in February.

Determined to give something back, Frankie turned his grief into action. His collection of Creme Eggs helped boost the success of this year’s Bunny Hop appeal, which raised a record-breaking £50,000. More than 7,000 participants – including children from 24 schools, 19 nurseries and two community groups across Tameside and Glossop – took part in the charity event.

Frankie’s dedication and compassion have captured the hearts of many, earning him recognition at a regional level. The winner of the Young Hero Award will be announced later this year, as part of the BBC’s celebration of everyday people making a difference in their communities.

Frankie said: “We had collection baskets in shops like Tesco and when the baskets got full of Crème Eggs, they were put behind customer service for us to pick up.

“Willow Wood were really good at looking after my mummy. She was really nice and she used to buy me lots of things like toys. I miss her cuddles and going on holiday with her.

“I am very happy and excited to be going to the awards.”

Frankie with his uncle and legal guardian Gavin in his classroom at school.

Frankie is looked after by his uncle and legal guardian Gavin Chadwick, who could not be prouder of his nephew and grateful for the care his family received from Willow Wood during a tough time: “Frankie is a very unique and special boy with lots of character – he’s just a superstar and absolutely deserves to be a finalist,” said Gavin, 42.

“I cried on the phone when I found out he was up for the award. I feel so proud of Frankie and Gemma would be so proud of him too – it’s a shame she is not here to celebrate this moment with us.

“Frankie is one of the calmest people in the world, considering what he’s been through. He still goes to school with a smile on his face and plays with his friends, never mentioning all the horrible things he’s going through. 

“Gemma’s cancer had spread throughout the years – she had cancer when Frankie was born so his mummy being poorly has been the norm for him. He visited her at Christie’s and at Tameside Hospital – their relationship could not have been any stronger. Gemma was an amazing sister and a tough cookie with a powerful personality but also very private.

“Willow Wood was absolutely amazing and their team looked after us all. Frankie had no fear of lying on the bed with her and taking the dog to see her – he played on the Xbox in the family lounge and became a friend of the nurses.

“It was Gemma’s idea to collect the eggs and Frankie was the ambassador of our own appeal. It was a focus for us all and we wanted to help the Hospice.”

Tracey Schofield, Events Lead who organises the Hospice’s Bunny Hop campaign, put Frankie forward for the award and gave him his own Bunny Hop pack as a reward for his magnificent efforts: “I nominated Frankie for the award because, despite everything he was going through, he thought of others and wanted to help the Hospice,” she said.

“On behalf of everyone at Willow Wood, we are incredibly grateful for his support and we really hope he wins the Young Hero Award.” 

For the first time this year, the Make a Difference Awards span the entire UK. Frankie will be attending BBC Radio Manchester’s awards ceremony at Rochdale Town Hall on 12th September.

Frankie’s nomination was recently revealed at his school, St James’s Primary in Hattersley, where his teachers and classmates were overjoyed for him.

Mark Woolley, head teacher at St James’s, said: “It’s been a very difficult time for Frankie and his family, so we’ve been supporting him here in school and supporting Gavin, his uncle, as well.

“We’re very proud of Frankie – he truly does deserve it. He’s really courageous and a young hero. He’s very kind and very thoughtful. It’s lovely that he has given something back to Willow Wood.”

Find out more about the work of Willow Wood Hospice at www.willowwood.org.uk

Frankie with his mum Gemma.