North East pupil awarded Gold Blue Peter Badge after basketball surprise

Luke Hedley, a Year 9 pupil at St Wilfrid's RC College in South Shields, received a Gold Blue Peter Badge at a Newcastle Eagles match after raising over £2,000 for mountain rescue and helping to lead a local Christmas toy appeal.

Luke Hedley, a Year 9 pupil at St Wilfrid's RC College in South Shields, was surprised with a Gold Blue Peter Badge during a Newcastle Eagles basketball match on January 23. He had been invited to serve as team captain Darius Defoe's mascot and did not expect the arena-wide recognition. The award cited his "outstanding commitment to charity and community service." Over the past ten months he has raised funds and helped run a Christmas toy appeal. Key facts: - The badge was presented at centre court by Newcastle Eagles captain Darius Defoe during team introductions. - Luke raised more than £2,000 by designing and selling 3D-printed safety whistles to support the Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team. - He helped lead a Christmas toy appeal that supported South Shields Fire Service and local children's care homes. - After the presentation he met players and head coach Marc Steutel, and received a signed basketball plus an autographed South Tyneside Basketball Club jersey. - His 3D-printed safety whistles remain available at several local outlets and at Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team events. Summary: The Gold Blue Peter Badge recognises Luke's fundraising and community work and was celebrated publicly at the Newcastle Eagles match, earning praise from his school and the team's staff. He left the arena with a signed basketball and an autographed jersey he plans to have framed. Undetermined at this time.