A YOUNG Knutsfordian has been recognised by The Christie following a year-long effort that has seen him raise more than £6,000 for the charity.

Ross Hook, 16, who is a student at the Manchester Grammar School, became involved with the Manchester-based charity following his father, Mike’s, treatment there over the past two years.

Ross, who lives in Hallside Park in Knutsford, was so impressed with the facilities and the experience his family went through that he decided to start raising money for the centre.

The culmination of his efforts came this week when The Christie’s Chairman, Lord Keith Bradley, presented him with a label button at a charity dinner to thank him for his work.

Ross said: “I am honoured to have been recognised by The Christie.

“The event was fantastic; it was humbling to meet so many people in a similar situation to that of my family. It’s reassuring to know that you’re not the only ones going through the experience, everyone is affected by cancer in one way or another and it helps you to appreciate that you are not alone.”

Ross’s charitable endeavours saw him run the Manchester 10K in the summer which raised a large portion of the funds.

He told the Guardian he was inspired, not only by his father’s treatment, but by The Christie’s general work.

“The Christie is an amazing place and the whole experience has inspired me to raise more money to help towards their future needs,” Ross added.

“We are lucky as we live very local to the hospital; some people travel from great distances and it is an awful journey. The Christie is currently raising money for a mobile unit to enable them go out to patients rather than them having to come into Manchester and I hope my efforts can help realise these big ideas.”

Garreth Tinker, MGS’s head of charities, added: “I am so impressed with Ross’s achievements; The Christie is a charity close to the hearts of all at The Manchester Grammar School and it is wonderful to see one of our boys helping to make a difference there.”