A Perthshire teenager has been awarded the Scottish Young Champion of the Year award by a national cancer charity.
Josh Moran, 16, from Aberfeldy, won the accolade for his fundraiser inspired by his late grandfather, Ronnie Liddle, who passed away from cancer in 2006.
Since he was eight, Josh has driven various fundraisers for Macmillan Cancer Support, including publishing a book in 2012.
The story follows Rosie the lamb, who must leave her field in search of a new place to settle.
Josh said: “I was passing a field of sheep with my Nana one day and asked her what happened to all the lambs.
“Not wanting to tell me the real truth she explained that the mothers find new homes for them elsewhere so, I came up with the idea of a story.
“I started to think of ways to help the lambs get across rivers and roads, and together my grandmother and I turned it into a proper tale.”
The book cost £1.99, and all proceeds went directly to Macmillan. Since it was printed, the book has raised £8,500 for the charity.
In his new fundraiser, Josh has added an environmental element to his work.
He has turned to local businesses and encouraged them to supply him with their scrap metal.
He said: “I was thinking of how I could raise more funds and it’s also a way to recycle.
“I realised that lots of people at home just throw away metal, including tin cans, local businesses do too.
“I now gather up metal from different places in the area and take it to the scrap metal facility in Perthshire. They give me money which then goes to Macmillan.”
Josh’s fundraising efforts have also earned him high praise and gratitude from the charity.
Senior Fundraising Manager for the North of Scotland, Shirlie Geddes said: “I first met Josh in 2013 and he impressed me so much then with his creativity, and tenacity.
“It’s been great to see his commitment to Macmillan continue.
“His support is very much appreciated by our Highland Perthshire Fundraising Group who nominated him for this award.”
Josh and his family thank the local community for its support over the years.
