Inspirational Halesowen scout Joey Rowley wins award

Joey Rowley, from First Halesowen Scout Group, won the under 11 category in the Young Active Citizen Awards, run by the West Midlands Lieutenancy.

The nine-year-old has overcome serious health challenges to earn his Chief Scout Bronze Award (the highest honour a Beaver Scout can gain) before throwing himself into becoming an active member of the Cubs programme always with a smile on his face and not allowing his health issues to hold him back.

He has also found the time to raise money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital which he has been under the care of since he was born.

Joey has a rare metabolic condition (Image: Handout)

Joey, who has a rare metabolic condition that means his blood sugars can drop dangerously low, was nominated for the award by his scout group.

His mum Laura Rowley said: "A simple childhood illness like and cough or a sickness bug can often end up being a hospital admission for Joey.

"When he was in hospital last year he decided he wanted to raise money for the hospital and for the poorly children.

"He ran 30 miles in November for Birmingham Children's Hospital and raised over £1,400.

"Thirty miles in a month is difficult for most children but with Joey's medical conditions this was a fantastic achievement."

The awards celebrate the extraordinary things young people do – from fundraising to mentoring, volunteering to championing special causes.

The four winners each receive a signed certificate from the Lord Lieutenant for the West Midlands and a trip to the House of Lords for afternoon tea.

The Lord Lieutenant, Sir John Crabtree OBE, said: "Every day young people are doing fantastic things to help others and our awards celebrate this.

"It is humbling to hear their stories, and time and time again I am impressed with their ingenuity and the lengths they go to in order to make a positive contribution to help others."