A YOUNGSTER who raised more than £1,700 for an Elsecar nursery has been nominated for a Proud of Barnsley award.

Hayley Jenkins, 37, works at Elsecar Nursery, based on Church Street, and her son, ten-year-old Alfie, raised more than £1,700 for her workplace.

Alfie’s brother, Will, is autistic and goes to the nursery – and to celebrate Autism Awareness Week he walked 5km every day for a whole week in April.

Hayley said: “Alfie’s brother is autistic and he did a ‘Walk for Will’ to raise money for the sensory division at the nursery.

“He raised £1,704 in total and we didn’t anticipate him raising that much.

“We’ve managed to do some outdoor SEND provision, as well as a soft play area and quiet zone with lights and things like fidgets.

“Some of the community supported him on his last walk and he won an award in for being a young fundraiser.

“He got to go on Heart radio and he absolutely loved it.”

Upon hearing of her son’s nomination in the Young Fundraiser category in this year’s Proud of Barnsley awards, Hayley added: “I’m shocked – I just can’t believe it.

“He doesn’t think he’s done anything special.

“I’m really proud of him.

“Some of his class mates have been made more aware of autism – it’s raised awareness and acceptance which is excellent.”