INSPIRATIONAL: Teenage cancer victim Daniel praised by David Cameron after award

A teenage cancer survivor from Notts who has dedicated hundreds of hours of his time to helping fellow young people living with cancer has been named a ‘Point of Light’ by Prime Minister David Cameron.

Daniel Payne, a 16-year-old A-level student from Sutton, was diagnosed with cancer in 2012. He was cured in four months but was inspired to help the patients he had been treated with who did not recover as quickly or who did not recover at all.

The youngster joined CLIC Sargent, a charity that supports young people with cancer, and went on to mentor five young people on his own initiative over 30 sessions. Sadly, two have since died although two have survived, and one continues to be treated and mentored by Daniel.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: “Daniel has bravely turned his own battle with cancer into an opportunity to give back to others facing similar challenges. Knowing how traumatic the experience of diagnosis and treatment can be, he dedicated his time to supporting young people living with cancer to stay strong. His continued efforts to fundraise for CLIC Sargent are further proof of what an inspirational young man he is, and he is thoroughly deserving of this Point of Light award.”

Daniel is the latest recipient of a ‘Point of Light’ award, which recognises outstanding individual volunteers, people who are making a change in their community and inspiring others. Each day, someone, somewhere in the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their remarkable achievements.

“I can’t believe that I have won, Daniel said. It is a complete shock but I would have never got to where I am today if it wasn’t for the amazing support of all my family and friends.”

The teen is the 351st winner of the Points of Light award which has been developed in partnership with the hugely successful Points of Light programme in the USA and was first established by President George H. W. Bush. Over 5,000 US Points of Light have been awarded and both President George H. W. Bush and President Barack Obama have publicly supported the partnership with Points of Light UK which honours shining examples of volunteering across the country.

Regardless of whether it’s a doctor restoring local monuments in her free time, a father teaching young people life skills, or a local musician giving a voice to lonely people, the Point of Light award honours shining examples of volunteering across the UK.