A 12-year-old boy from Oakdale has been praised for his “amazing” efforts in raising four-figure sums for charity.
Cameron Jones, a pupil at Islwyn High School, has fundraised for Great Ormond Street Hospital, Cancer Research, and mental health charity Mind, raising more than £2,000 in the process.
He presented Caerphilly Borough Mind with a cheque for £1,000 on Thursday, October 5, after organising and running a disco at Blackwood Rugby Club.
Speaking with a maturity which belies his age, Cameron said: “It feels good [to present the cheque]. Mind is quite close to my heart because I have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
“We sold sweets at a tuck shop at the disco, and did a raffle too. The entry fee was £3 so that’s where the main bit of the money came from because 200 people turned up.”
The money raised will help pay for a new floor at Mind’s offices in Ystrad Mynach.
Cameron’s father, Darren Jones, spoke of his pride at his son’s achievements.
He said: “I think it’s good that he wants to put himself out there and do it for the benefit of others. He literally organised everything off his own back.
“He didn’t ask for any help, he arranged the DJ, booked the venue, did his own promotion.
“He’s been great, and who knows, maybe he’ll become an events organiser.”
Jill Lawton, Caerphilly Borough Mind Director, added: “The money is amazing, and means a massive amount to a small organisation such as ourselves, but it’s not just that.
“It’s the publicity, the promotion of the organisation, and for young people it’s important we can break down the stigma about mental health. To have a young person recognising the importance of our services, we can’t fault it.
As for Cameron, he has no plans to take a break.
“I’d like to keep fundraising for Mind or other mental health charities”, he said. “There will be other discos but I also want to do a family fun day with bouncy castles for people of all ages to come to.”
For more information on Caerphilly Borough Mind, visit www.caerphillymind.co.uk.