THE Reading Chronicle has been hailed for ‘making a difference’ as its Help Save Charlie campaign has been recognised nationally.

The six-month campaign last year followed brave local youngster Charlie Ilsley as he battled medulloblastoma, a high-grade brain tumour which he had been diagnosed with at the age of eight.

Working closely with Charlie and his family, the Chronicle aimed to help raised funds for Charlie’s treatment as well as awareness for brain cancer and the need for better treatments in the UK.

Sadly, Charlie passed away just weeks before Christmas last December having returned home from treatment and follow up consultations in Mexico.

Thousands of pounds were raised by the local community to help support Charlie’s treatment.

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The campaign has now been recognised nationally in the ‘Making a Difference Awards - staged by the News Media Association’s annual Journalism Matters campaign.

The awards hope to highlight the vital role journalism plays in our society and the public were invited to vote for local and national campaigns that have made a difference.

The Sun was awarded in the national category for a Green Week campaign, and the Chronicle awarded in the local newspapers category for the Help Save Charlie campaign.

Charlie’s mum Toni Ilsley said: “We couldn’t have done it without [the Chronicle campaign]. We managed to raise £30k to get Charlie to Germany [for treatment], and that is thanks to the Chronicle and reporter Alice getting it out there. We saw how much Alice cared for Charlie.

“It helped raise awareness not just for Charlie but around brain cancer and the need for better diagnosis and funding.

“We even had thanks from the Brain Tumour Charity who said well done for getting it out there. We couldn’t have asked for more [from the coverage].”

She added: “This is all about keeping Charlie’s memory going.”

Toni, from Emmer Green, has since set up dog care company Charlie’s Place in memory of her 13-year-old son who had a huge love for dogs.

The business opened in June and has already been a huge success and expanded into new premises to cater to a growing demand.

Reading Chronicle editor Andrew Colley said: “To be trusted to cover brave Charlie Ilsley’s journey in a sensitive way over a six-month period meant a lot to our team.

“This award win is a credit to our journalists who worked tirelessly to help raise funds and awareness about the awful illness which eventually claimed Charlie’s life just days before Christmas in 2020.

“It further highlights the importance regional media can play in making a difference in people’s lives – we’re often the ones people turn to when they need help the most.

“In Charlie’s name we hope a difference will have been made for children and families experiencing similar situations.

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“Finally, special praise must go to our former Facebook Community Reporter Alice Knight who led our reporting on Charlie’s story on a weekly basis, and to Chronicle readers who helped raise vital funds.”

NMA chief executive Owen Meredith added: “Huge congratulations to both The Sun and the Reading Chronicle for their winning campaigns.

“There was an exceptionally high standard of entries, showcasing British journalism’s prowess in campaigning for positive change.

“The Help Save Charlie and Green Week campaigns are brilliant examples of the vital importance of journalism as a powerful platform for informing and engaging the public, as well as for fundraising and shining a spotlight on important causes.

“Both these worthy winners exemplify the Making a Difference Award – to highlight the importance of trusted and quality journalism produced by the news media industry.”