An inspirational young man who has been fundraising for good causes since he was a child said he is 'overwhelmed' as his 18th birthday wish came true - and even flogged slices of his birthday cake for charity.

Ibrahim Yousaf has been refusing pocket money and presents for his birthday and other special occasions since he was 12 years old.

Ibby, as he is most fondly known, instead asked friends and family to donate to more 18 charities in Oldham and support his various 'Team Ibby' challenges for good causes close to his heart.

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His services to charity saw him receive a British Empire Medal (BEM) from the late Queen Elizabeth II when he was just 13 years old, making him the youngest person in Greater Manchester to have been on the list.

The teenager went on to receive many more local and national awards, including the British Citizen Youth Award in 2019, followed by a busy 2023 where he received a Certificate of Recognition from University Campus Oldham, a Lifetime Hack Award from Hathershaw College and the town's Civic Appreciation Award.

Ahead of his big 18th birthday on January 9 this year, the teenager asked well-wishers, family and friends to donate £18 to the charities, Maggie's and Spoons, which operate in Royal Oldham Hospital.

Ibby announced: "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."

Maggie's gives support to families and children suffering from cancer while Spoons supports families of sick and preterm babies.

Ibby added: "They are two wonderful charities.

"So, please, no party or presents."

 

Now that the young man has hit his 18th birthday, he has revealed his birthday wish came true.

He said: "I'm totally overwhelmed to have hit £1,818 for both Maggie's and Spoons, based at Royal Oldham Hospital.

"I didn't receive a single present and had no party, but for everyone to donate £18 to help these two wonderful charities at our local hospital, they have kindly given me the best 18th birthday by hitting this target.

"I can't thank everyone enough."

The teen received 18 cupcakes, reflecting each one of the 18 charities Team Ibby has supported for more than five years, which includes Transport for Sick Children, Action Together, Team Hill Charitable Trust, Mahdlo Youth Zone, Oldham Foodbank and Dr Kershaw's Hospice.

However, the avid fundraiser revealed he was also gifted a custom-made birthday cake from his brother and decided that, even after hitting his target, to sell the slices of cake to raise an additional £106 for Oldham paediatric services in A&E.

Ibby continued: "When I said no cards, no cakes, no presents but for every pound to be donated, my brother knowing I support Liverpool Football Club and him supporting City decided to surprise me with an 18th birthday cake and card.

"Yep, you guessed it, with his favourite cake. 

"His face though when I told him I’ll auction it!

"Thank you Cornerhouse Cake for baking my 18th cake which my brother had requested."

Ibby has struggled with his health over the years and said he wanted to raise the funds from the cake slices to "thank all of the magnificent paediatric A&E staff for looking after me so much all these years". 

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.