An eight-year-old Huthwaite boy who raised £8,000 for charity after losing both legs to sepsis has won a national award — thanks to the votes of thousands of people.

William Reckless, whose bravery featured in the News Journal earlier this year, was crowned Young Fundraiser of the Year at the 2024 GoCardless JustGiving Awards in September.

He was one of eight winners presented with awards by television personality Jake Quickenden.

William Reckless with his mum, Gemma Reckless, and sister, Georgie, after he received his award from Jake Quickenden and last year’s winner, Harry Smith.

Overall, there were more than 18,000 public nominations, followed by over 50,000 votes between finalists.

William said: “I feel so happy to win and grateful to everyone who voted for me. It means a lot because I put a lot of hard work into the fundraising challenges, so it makes me feel very proud. I hope it helps the hospital who saved my life.”

Earlier this year he completed a sponsored four-mile walk and cycle to mark four years since the shock sepsis diagnosis.

Despite being having both of his legs and nine of his fingers amputated, William, with the help of friends and family, completed the challenge — doubling his £4,000 target for Nottingham University Hospitals Charity.

William’s mum, Gemma Reckless, added: “I am immensely proud of William. Four years ago, I couldn’t imagine how his future would look, so to see him achieving this award is beyond anything I could have dreamed of.

“He’s shown such determination and strength. He’s always been our hero, but for that to be recognised by others is very special.

“We are so grateful to everyone who has supported him and to JustGiving for helping a little boy realise he can achieve anything he sets his mind to.”

In January 2020, William, then aged three, was struck down with sepsis. After being taken to King’s Mill Hospital, Sutton, he was put into an induced coma and transferred to Nottingham Children’s Hospital for specialist care.

On arrival William suffered a cardiac arrest and had to be resucitated, with his family being told to prepare for the worst. However, the youngster fought back, despite the life-changing amputations.

Through the support of friends, family, and physiotherapy, he started 2023 feeling stronger than ever and wanted to show his appreciation to the hospital that saved his life, so embarked on his fundraising challenge.

The GoCardless JustGiving Awards have raised more than £16m for good causes.

The finalists were chosen by a panel of judges, including professional Strictly dancer Amy Dowden, broadcaster Adele Roberts, television personality Jake Quickenden, paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds, television presenter Sunetra Sarker, and radio presenter Rickie Haywood-Williams.

They were joined by JustGiving president Pascale Harvie and the managing director of headline sponsor GoCardless, Pat Phelan.

However, it was the 50,000 votes cast by the public that led to the final winners being selected.

The star-studded event was hosted by British broadcaster Rylan Clark.

Host Rylan said: “It was incredible to host GoCardless JustGiving awards to celebrate the amazing work the winners and finalists have done this year to raise money for causes close to their hearts. They should all be really proud of themselves!”

Pascale Harvie, president and general manager of JustGiving, said: “Huge congratulations to wonderful William on his fantastic award win.

“We’ve all been completely blown away by him and what he’s achieved, despite what he’s been through at such a young age. He really is amazing and a true inspiration to us all.”

Pat Phelan, managing director of UK & Ireland and chief customer officer at GoCardless, added: “It was an honour to see William rewarded for his efforts at last night’s GoCardless JustGiving Awards. The entire team of judges were incredibly impressed by his dedication to give
back to Nottingham Hospitals Charity.”