Teen recognized with ‘Young Hero’ award for supporting sick brother—Ed Sheeran appreciated them with a phenomenal surprise
The BBC Make A Difference’s ‘Young Hero Award’ is allotted to a teen under 16 who has done something exceptional or made an impact on their community. This year, 15-year-old Michal Wojcik, from Northampton, won the award, the outlet revealed. To add to the celebration and praise, iconic singer Ed Sheeran surprised the teen and his younger brother via a virtual appearance on BBC Radio. Learning about their determination and resilience, the artist rewarded them with another phenomenal surprise in the form of a fulfilled promise.
Michal has been showing integrity and humanity by going above and beyond for his younger brother, Jakob, who has cystic fibrosis (CF) and type 1 diabetes. Nominated by his mother, Beata, the boy’s “kindness, resilience and dedication” were worth applauding. While Michal aimed to “make the world better for him, make him equal with the other kids to be able to do what he wants to do and not be limited,” he did far more. The teenager joined the youth advisory group for Cystic Fibrosis Trust and has been appointed as a youth councillor for Northamptonshire Youth Council.
He has been significantly contributing, not just for his brother but also for the town. Jacob noted that he is the “best brother.” “It shows how hard he works; how much he’s done for the family, the school, the town. It’s just incredible and he really deserves it,” he said of his older brother’s achievement. The mom added, “Whatever he does, he always has other people at heart and is always looking for solutions when grown-ups are not seeing the issue.” Having received the well-earned award, Michal was given another surprise when Ed Sheeran appeared to speak to him and his brother.
As soon as the duo spotted the singer on screen, they were jaw-dropped. “I love your music,” Jakob said. Sheeran was instead delighted to have chanced upon the conversation with the boys. “Congratulations, it’s amazing what you have been doing,” he remarked. As they went about their conversation, the topic of instruments surfaced and Jakob revealed that he used to play the guitar and a few other instruments. With an impromptu yet energetic reply, the singer said, “If I send you one, will you start playing again?” The brothers immediately got excited and started jumping in their seats. “Yes!” Jakob remarked.
Sheeran reminded him that he’s “gotta play it” if he receives the instrument and added, “Expect one in the post.” The brothers took the artist’s word for it and anticipated the guitar, another report revealed. Jakob impatiently asked his parents every day whether it had arrived in the mail. “Then one day, I forgot to ask and halfway through the drive home, my mum said, ‘Oh yeah, the guitar has arrived,’” he said. The duo ran to unbox it and there it was — a promise fulfilled, a signed guitar from Ed Sheeran. The boy was stoked to see the singer kept his word and is sure to hold up his side of the deal by learning to play. Meanwhile, Michal is by his brother’s side as always, supporting his interest and also being a “messenger for Ed Sheeran,” warning Jakob to play or he’ll give it back.”