Ryan’s fundraising recognised efforts by Boris Johnston

Ryan’s fundraising recognised efforts by Boris Johnston

11 September 2019

THE efforts of Crossgar fundraiser Ryan Bogues have been formally recognised by Prime Minister Boris Johnston.

Ryan has been singled out for praise to recognise his exceptional fundraising effort for cancer and dementia charities in Northern Ireland.

He has been honoured in the Points of Light award which recognises outstanding individual volunteers, especially people who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.

The 24 year-old — who lives with Down’s Syndrome — has to date raised £40,000 for charities and began his hugely popular Ryan’s Cookie Box initiative four years ago.

Ryan cooks baked goods every month and raises money for charity through an honesty box placed at the end of the lane outside his family home. 

In addition to his fundraising for cancer and dementia charities, Ryan has also donated funds towards local community projects, such as purchasing computers and books for schools.

Ryan is the latest recipient of the Points of Light award and each day, someone, somewhere in the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their remarkable achievements.

In his letter to the Crossgar fundraiser, the Prime Minister said he fully recognises that Ryan goes about his charity work “with no thought of praise or reward”.

He added: “Allow me to offer my own recognition of how your inspirational fundraising efforts have done so much to support cancer and dementia charities in Northern Ireland. Your service exemplifies the British spirit of generosity and philanthropy which brings out the best in us all.”

Ryan said he was “delighted” to receive the award from the Prime Minister and reckons that Mr Johnston might enjoy The Cookie Box special - endorphin bars — “because endorphins make you happy.”

He added: “As a big Queen fan, I am also really chuffed that I am going to be a Point of Light on Freddie Mercury Day”.

Ryan is the 1241st winner of the Points of Light award which has been developed in partnership with the hugely successful Points of Light programme in the United States.

Over 6,000 Points of Light have been awarded in the States and former Presidents have publicly supported the partnership with Points of Light UK.  There is a similar cross-party approach to the UK programme and MPs from different parties often present their constituents with their Points of Light awards.