Young Macmillan Award winner 2023

The ‘Young Macmillan Award’ is for an individual or group of people below the age of 18 at the time of nomination. They could be involved in anything from caring for people, gaining significant press coverage or social media activity, entrepreneurial fundraising initiatives, or inspiring others. The 2023 winner is Jake Skinner, for his amazing Christmas displays which have raised thousands for Macmillan and brought joy to his local community.  

When 15-year-old Jake lost his sister to anaphylactic shock in 2015, her workplace handed back the Christmas lights that she’d used to decorate her desk. This inspired Jake to light up his family home in her memory every December and raise money for charity at the same time. Macmillan became a cause close to his heart when he lost his nan to cancer and saw the support that it gave her.   

Every year Jake’s displays grow more elaborate, and despite his young years he designs and constructs everything himself. Fundraising begins with an official switch on at the end of November where his road fills with eager onlookers and the local Salvation Army band. To date, Jake has raised £15,300 for Macmillan and brought a lot of festive cheer to his community.   

‘My aim is to raise £100,000 for Macmillan,’ says Jake. ‘It might sound ambitious but, being 15, I think I’ve got a few more years of this in me yet!’  

Find out more about the Thanks to You Awards.