Wellingborough schoolboy shortlisted for Radio 1's Teen Hero awards

William Heath, 13, was shortlisted as a finalist in the radio station’s annual search to recognise young unsung heroes from across the country.

He was invited to spend the day at Radio 1 on October 18 where he met several of the presenters, including Greg James, Nick Grimshaw and Clara Amfo.

The youngster was then taken to Kensington Palace, where he met HRH The Duke of Cambridge and HRH The Duchess of Cambridge.

William’s nomination recognised his extensive fundraising for the men’s health charity, Movember, which encourages people to grow a moustache for sponsorship during November.

His fundraising began after his grandfather died in 2014, having lost his third battle with cancer.

Later that year, just before his 12th birthday, William asked for donations to the Movember charity rather than presents to help people suffering from the disease.

Although he couldn’t grow one of his own, he dressed up as a famous moustachioed character every day and posted a picture on social media.

Having dressed up as Freddie Mercury, Keith Lemon and Ron Burgundy, among many others, William’s campaign went viral and he was able to raise more than £7,000.

In 2015, William built on his successes and launched a new initiative to champion the Movember cause called MiniMoBros.

This encouraged young people of any age to have their photo taken with a moustache and send him the photo.

The campaign was a huge success, raising more than £12,500 – totalling an impressive £20,000 over two years.

Radio 1 recognised the dedication, generosity and hard work William has shown in his support of Movember.

The youngster also has Asperger’s Syndrome, which presented him with social challenges that he has had to overcome to meet his fundraising goals.

After being shortlisted for the award, William said: “It was an honour to be recognised by the Teen Hero award, and to meet HRH The Duke of Cambridge and HRH The Duchess of Cambridge.

“We talked about sport and the fact that I had to miss school rugby to visit Radio 1.

“Movember is a very important charity to me and I hope that my fundraising has inspired others to support them.”

Headmaster of Wellingborough School, Garry Bowe, said: “William should be exceptionally proud of the work he has done for Movember and it is right that he should be recognised in this way.

“At Wellingborough School the values of community, charity and giving are core to our ethos, and I am sure that William’s efforts will serve as inspiration to the other pupils.”