South Tyneside charity champion has continued his fundraising efforts for the Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team (NNPMRT) through the success of his 3D-printed safety whistle campaign.
Luke Hedley, 14 BCyA, from Jarrow, presented the NNPMRT with a cheque for £2,000 during the team’s 60th anniversary garden party on Saturday, June 20, bringing his total contribution to £4,000.
Over the past 15 months, the teenager has been designing, 3D-printing and selling safety whistles through his initiative, Jimmy’s Whistles, to raise awareness of the #BeAdventureSmart campaign while supporting vital rescue services.
Luke was delighted to have doubled the amount raised for the mountain rescue team and thanked everyone who has supported the campaign.
He said: “I couldn’t have done any of this without the kindness of others — from people buying my whistles around the world to all the amazing businesses who host my sales boxes.
“It’s so important to raise funds for the superheroes who come to your aid any time, day or night.”
In recognition of his fundraising achievements, Luke was presented with a special award for service and contribution to the community by the High Sheriff of Northumberland. He also received a certificate of gratitude from the chief executive of the NNPMRT.
Luke’s safety whistle campaign has already earned national recognition, including the British Citizen Youth Award Medal of Honour and a Gold Blue Peter badge.
His whistles are currently available from a number of locations across the North East, including:
South Shields
- Mr Swainstons
- The Steamboat
- South Shields Football Club
Newcastle
- Cotswold Outdoor
- LD Mountain Centre
Northumberland
- The Sill National Discovery Centre
- Walltown Visitor Centre
- Errington Coffee House
- Twice Brewed Inn
More recently, Luke has expanded his campaign to support local RNLI stations by creating special ‘Float to Live’ whistles. The whistles are now available from the Sunderland RNLI Shop on Marine Walk in Roker for £4, with all proceeds going directly to the RNLI.
As he continues to raise funds for lifesaving organisations, Luke is seeking partnerships with shops and businesses across the North East interested in stocking his safety whistles at no cost.
Businesses interested in supporting the initiative can contact Sean Hedley at: seanhdly@gmail.com.
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