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FUNDRAISING phenom Dexter Rosier was named Young Hero of the Year, sponsored by BluePrint Fitted Furniture, at last Wednesday’s Wokingham Community Awards.
The 11-year-old has completed a plethora of physical challenges to help raise thousands of pounds for causes such as the Royal Berkshire Hospital and First Days Children’s Charity, and even appeared on national television after penning an emotive open letter to his hero Marcus Rashford, after the England striker missed a penalty in the Euro 2020 final.
Dexter has stretched himself to his limits, camping in his garden for 100 nights, completing a decathlon of sporting activities and running a marathon distance in a week.
The Woodley youngster was proud to collect the award, but was reluctant to use the word “hero” to describe himself. He said: “It feels great to be recognised for what I do – I don’t do it for this, I just do it to help the community and to help other people.”
Having been inspired by Sir Captain Tom’s efforts to raise millions of pounds for the NHS during the Covid-19 pandemic, the young Manchester United fan was keen to do his bit to help the UK’s healthcare service. Dexter spent some time in the Royal Berkshire Hospital’s children’s ward when he was younger and wanted to ensure other people his age are afforded the same comforts he was during his stay.
Over the summer, Dexter was joined by several sporting stars to help him complete a decathlon of sporting challenges to raise funds for Sport in Mind, a charity which promotes mental and physical well-being through sport. Activities included playing hockey with Team GB players Amy Tennant and Sarah Jones, diving at the London Aquatics Centre with Olympic medallist Leon Taylor and kicking conversions with London Irish star Topsy Ojo.
When asked what his favourite initiative has been, Dexter said it was a toss-up between sleeping in a tent for 100 nights and running a marathon in five days.
Nominated by his nan, who was present at the awards ceremony at All Saints Church, Dexter was swift to voice his appreciation to her for putting him forward. She, in turn, described him as a “wonderful grandson”.
After a short break, the fundraising extraordinaire will embark on preparations for his most impressive quest to date, cycling from London to Paris for next year’s Olympic Games.
