Headway Winsford volunteer gets Child of Britain accolade

Callum Ellis has additional needs and has volunteered at the Headway Winsford store for two years, becoming a firm favourite with shoppers and staff alike.

The 15-year-old was surprised with a special certificate of merit from the Child of Britain Award judges.

The mayor of Winsford, Cllr Nathan Pardoe, visited the charity shop to surprise young Callum with his award and presents from staff.

The recognition comes after Tina Cheswick, manager at Headway Winsford, decided to nominate Callum for all his hard work.

She said: “Everybody compliments him. He’s so outgoing and chats to everyone on the till.

“He’s always offering to help people take their shopping out to their car and is a joy to have around.

“When we reopened after lockdown, a lot of the volunteers were worried about coming in because of Covid, but Callum was always here to help out.

“And we have such a laugh together – without him I’d have been lost.”

Callum lives with his nan, Donna McCarten, and has done ever since he was 15 months old.

Nathan Pardoe and Callum Ellis

Donna said: “I’m over the moon! When I found out Tina had nominated him, I was in tears.

“He just gets on with everyone – because not only does he volunteer at the Headway shop, but he also gives his time to the Barnados and Age UK charity shops too.

“That’s alongside attending school that supports him with his needs.”

Councillor Pardoe thanked everyone who had organised the day and supported Callum.

“It was a privilege to visit Headway and meet Callum Ellis to present him with a Child of Britain Award nomination certificate and gifts organised by his colleagues,” he said.

“Callum has volunteered tirelessly throughout the pandemic and brings so much joy to customers and staff.

“Their pride in Callum was matched only by his nan, who was delighted to see him recognised for his fantastic work.”

Peter McCabe, chief executive at Headway – the brain injury association, added: “We owe a debt of gratitude to every one of our volunteers, without whom we simply would not be able to support individuals and families affected by brain injury.

“Callum’s story is particularly heartening.

He is an inspirational young man who puts smiles on the faces of all who come into the Headway shop.

“We are delighted that the Child of Britain Awards have recognised him with a certificate of merit.

“We’d like to say a big thank you and congratulations to Callum on receiving such a well-deserved award.”