Olivia Strong has received the Prime Minister's daily Points of Light award
Edinburgh-born Olivia Strong who launched a viral running challenge and raised over £5 million for NHS charities has today received the Prime Minister’s daily Point of Light award.
Olivia created the ‘Run for Heroes 5km Challenge’ which has seen a million people run 5 kilometres, donate £5 and nominate five friends to do the same. The initiative, which Olivia initially hoped would raise £5000, went viral on Instagram with participants from over 20 countries taking part, including Sir Mo Farah, Ellie Goulding and John Terry.
In a personal letter to Olivia, the Prime Minister said:
Reacting to the Prime Minister’s announcement, Olivia said:
The Prime Minister’s UK daily Point of Light award was first launched in April 2014 to recognise outstanding individuals making a difference where they live. Olivia is the 1363rd person to be recognised. As Britain unites to fight the spread of coronavirus, the award is focusing exclusively on people serving their community through the pandemic.