INSPIRATIONAL 11-year old Luke Mortimer from Embsay has been recognised by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for his exceptional fundraising activities.

Luke has been announced as the Prime Minister’s 2,238th Point of Light, an award given to outstanding individual volunteers who have contributed exceptionally to their community.

Luke was just seven years old and fit and well when he contracted meningococcal meningitis septicaemia in 2019  and, following 23 surgeries in ten weeks, was left as a quadruple amputee.

Since then, he set himself the extraordinary challenge of climbing 656ft up Embsay Crag to raise money for Children in Need and LimbPower, raising £26,000 against an initial goal of £500.

The fundraising continues and in June this year, a team of around 40 people including Luke's dad, Adam will attempt to climb the National Three Peaks, Snowdon, in Wales; Scafell Pike, in England, and Ben Nevis, in Scotland; together with the Yorkshire Three Peaks, Penyghent, Whernside and Ingleborough; all in under 48 hours.

Luke's Six Peak Challenge will raise money not only for Luke's ongoing needs but also for Amp Camp Kids, a charity of which Luke is an ambassador and which provides full packed holidays in Spain for children who have suffered an amputation and their families.

Dad, Adam said: "So far we have a team of around 40 walkers willing to take on the six peaks. As well as these walkers we are delighted to say that we have a number of amputees who want to join us, including double below knee amputee Paul Ellis, no stranger to the National Three Peaks having already completed this challenge summiting each peak on his hands and knees."

Over the last weekend of June, the team will start in Scotland, then onto Scarfell before moving onto the Yorkshire Three Peaks before finishing with Snowdonia.

Adam said although Luke would not be taking part in the whole challenge, he would it was hoped join the team and possibly climb Penyghent.

Skipton MP Julian Smith said Luke's award was well deserved. He said: “Luke is an inspiration, and this recognition of his fundraising efforts is thoroughly deserved.

“In the face of huge adversity from such a young age, Luke’s dedication and perseverance means others facing life-changing circumstances will be able to access the support they need. Huge congratulations to Luke on his award.”

The just giving page link is: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Lukes6peak; find out more about fundraising and how to get involved by searching  Thisisluke on Facebook.