Happy List 2015: Hospital fundraiser Ted, eight, wins charity award

JustGiving created a special Independent on Sunday Happy List Award - it was won by Ted McCaffery for his phenomenal fundraising efforts for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital

Ted McCaffery with Independent on Sunday editor Lisa Markwell (Oliver Dixon)

Independent on Sunday Happy List finalists were among guests who gathered to salute Britain’s top fundraisers at the JustGiving Awards 2015 in London.

JustGiving – the fundraising partner of the Happy List – held its annual award ceremony to acknowledge the achievements of the nation’s do-gooders.

For the first time this year, JustGiving created a special Independent on Sunday Happy List Award. It was won by Ted McCaffery, eight, for his phenomenal fundraising efforts for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

To date, Ted and friends have raised £73,000 for the Liverpool hospital where he underwent open-heart surgery aged six.

Waiting to go down to theatre, Ted found that the television in his room didn’t work. His first thoughts were for the child who would occupy the bed after him and might be “bored”. Ted resolved to raise enough money to buy a replacement television. Nine weeks later, Ted completed a mini-triathlon and raised more than £1,000 in sponsorship.

Now Ted, from Stockton Heath, Cheshire is a hospital ambassador and part of a campaign to raise funds for lifesaving equipment, research, and arts and play activities.

He has fronted advertising campaigns and spoken about his time at the hospital to increase awareness and boost donations.

Ted was joined by Happy List finalist Emily Smith, 26, from London. Emily gave up single-use plastic for 40 days to raise awareness of the harm inflicted on our seas and oceans from plastic bags and packaging.

During her Plastic Challenge, Emily raised money for the Marine Conservation Society. She also helps with beach clean-ups that take place to improve the marine environment.

Emily and Ted, who travelled to London with his mum Jo, watched as an amazing array of fundraisers were rewarded for their outstanding achievements.

There were 11 categories including Creative Fundraiser of the Year, Endurance Fundraiser of the Year and Celebrity Fundraiser of the Year.

Ted said: “I have been inspired this evening by so many people. I would like to create a world of happiness where nobody suffers illness or pain or dies too young.”