A young boy from Rutland, who was diagnosed with a life-threatening chronic kidney disease five years ago, received Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's daily Points of Light award on 15 December.

Since Charlie Frieland's diagnosis, he has been through intensive daily treatment programmes and numerous medical procedures whilst awaiting a lifesaving kidney transplant.

He is determined to help other children and young people who may be going through similar circumstances. He campaigns tirelessly for others in the hope that, in the future, children do not have to endure what he has, and can enjoy their childhood unhindered.

Charlie has independently raised over £17,000 for kidney and associated charities by completing fundraising challenges. He has facilitated courageous conversations about the importance of organ donation, produced educational materials used in academic settings and offered in-person peer support, encouragement and guidance to others.

Congratulating Charlie on his award, Alicia Kearns, Charlie's local MP for Rutland and Melton, said: "Charlie's brave work fundraising and raising awareness about kidney disease has been truly outstanding, and I am delighted his efforts have been so deservedly recognised by the Prime Minister.

"He has been an inspiration to so many children and young adults suffering from kidney disease across the country, and we are all incredibly proud of him here in Rutland."

Charlie said: "I am extremely honoured to receive the Points of Light award from the Prime Minister. I am particularly proud that this means that kidney disease and organ donation have been discussed and acknowledged within the highest levels of UK Government, which means important conversations are happening in the right

places. Thank you so very much for taking the time to recognise this very important subject. Thank you also to Alicia Kearns, my local MP, for nominating me for the award."

Charlie is the 2218th recipient of the Points of Light award, which was first launched in April 2014 to recognise outstanding individuals making a positive change within their community and inspiring others. Each weekday, someone, somewhere in the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their remarkable achievements.

The Points of Light awards recognise outstanding individual volunteers, people who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.

The Prime Minister makes daily announcements of the winners to celebrate, encourage and promote volunteering and the value that it brings to the country.

If people know someone who could be a Point of Light, they should write to the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street.