A young man from Oldham who has been fundraising throughout his teenage years for causes close to his heart has made an extraordinary 18th birthday wish.
Ibrahim Yousaf, known most fondly as Ibby, has refused gifts and money that most teenagers receive to mark birthdays and other special occasions since he was 12 years old.
Instead, the youngster has been raising money for more than a dozen charities in Oldham through his various 'Team Ibby' challenges and even donated his own pocket money to good causes.
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At just 13 years old, he received a British Empire Medal (BEM) from the late Queen Elizabeth II, being the youngest person in Greater Manchester to have been on the list, and went on to receive many more awards, locally and nationally, including the British Citizen Youth Award in 2019.
But the past 12 months have been an even more tumultuous year for the teenager as not only did he attend a special graduation ceremony at Univesity Campus Oldham, where he was awarded a Certificate of Recognition for his efforts, but also received a Lifetime Hack (Hathershaw Acts of Charity and Kindness) Award from Hathershaw College and the town's Civic Appreciation Award.
Now, with his big 18th birthday around the corner, the teenager has one wish: to raise £1,818 for two key departments at Royal Oldham Hospital.
In a video on X, formerly known as Twitter, Ibby said: "Well, what a year it has been."
The Team Ibby captain revealed the group raised £11,500 throughout 2023, with £11,000 donated to the Oldham community and £500 towards transport for sick children.
He thanked the group and the special awards he had received before revealing he donated his awards to the Team Ibby cause and the charities it supports.
Ibby continued: "Thank you for the kind messages regarding my 18th birthday in January, god willing.
"But unfortunately, I cannot celebrate my birthday with so many people struggling in our town.
"Instead I would like every pound donated to these two wonderful charities, located at the Royal Oldham Hospital."
The two charities he has chosen are Maggie's, which gives support to families and children suffering from cancer, and Spoons which supports families of sick and preterm babies.
Ibby said: "They are two wonderful charities.
"So, please, no party or presents.
"Instead, could you donate £18 or whatever you can as we aim to raise £1,818 for these two wonderful charities as it would be the best 18th birthday present I could ever wish for."
The big day is on January 9 but Ibby said he has spent "most of my life in and out of hospital" and that he "never imagined I would ever get to see my 18th birthday".
The fundraiser on JustGiving continues: "I feel so blessed to still be here and hopefully do something for my 18th like I did for my previous five birthdays.
"I honestly can't thank everyone enough for support us, especially every member of my fab team who support me so much and keep me so strong.
"We all know of a loved one living with cancer and the devastation a cancer diagnosis can bring.
"Maggie's Oldham is here to support people living with cancer and their loved ones. You don't need an appointment, you just walk in and a member of the Maggie's team will do all they can to support.
"We also know of families who have had a baby in neonatal care and how frightening that can be for parents and loved ones.
"Spoons based in the neonatal unit at Royal Oldham support families every step of the way and we are blessed to have Spoons in our town supporting families as it can be the most worrying time for parents.
"Team Ibby is about supporting our town, especially young people of our town, letting them know they are not alone.
"I hope you understand why I don't want a party or presents.
"I know this is a very special birthday but I can't celebrate my 18th when so many young people in our town are struggling, especially young people dealing with a cancer diagnosis or having a loved one dealing with cancer or a young person having a sibling or relative in neonatal care."
Donations can be made to the cause by visiting Ibby's JustGiving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/TeamIbby18for18th?
If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.
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