Now in its ninth year, the British Citizen Youth Award (BCyA) will recognise 22 young individuals from across the UK who have made a meaningful and positive impact on their communities and wider society. These young people have demonstrated exceptional kindness and commitment to various causes, including raising awareness and funds. Each of them is dedicated to making a real difference.

This year’s honourees will be awarded the prestigious BCyA Medal of Honour at The Palace of Westminster on 30th October 2025. Recipients are invited to use the post-nominals ‘BCyA’ in recognition of their outstanding achievements and endeavours.

One of the 2025 BCyA Roll of Honour recipients is Keira Mayhew from Telford.

Keira is a pupil at Shrewsbury High School and regularly volunteers for Rainbow Rescue Telford. She also fundraises for a number of local animal charities, including Jelly Exotics, Hilbrae Dog Rescue, Creature Comforts Rescue Centre in Mid-Wales, and Cuan Wildlife Rescue.

Keira has shown unwavering dedication to supporting animal charities since the age of eight and has raised an impressive £40,000. Notably, she raised £3,000 for Creature Comforts, which was used to build an otter enclosure and dog pens, enabling the centre to house three otters and 80 dogs and puppies that would otherwise have had no shelter.

In 2023, Keira launched her own small business, Rainbow Gifts Telford, to raise additional funds for local good causes. She began crafting and selling items, with all proceeds going toward helping animals and supporting rescue efforts.

Beyond fundraising, Keira has been actively involved in hands-on animal rehabilitation through her volunteer work with Rainbow Rescue. She willingly takes on any task required, from organising fundraising events like cake sales and bingo evenings to helping with raffles and tombolas.

Her efforts extend into the wider community as well. Keira has arranged litter picking sessions, raised money for food banks, and prepared and delivered food parcels to those in need — always with a smile and a strong sense of purpose.

The BCyA Medal of Honour is awarded to only a small group of exceptional young people each year. The British Citizen Youth Award, in partnership with Specsavers, serves as a national platform to honour extraordinary youth who show exceptional initiative and commitment to helping others. It is open to any young person aged 18 or under who is dedicated to making a difference.

Keira Mayhew.