Braintree teen scoops top environmental award

The Jack Petchey Foundation launched an environmental award to recognise young people from Essex and London helping the environment in their area.  

Leo Rumbleow, from Braintree, has become the award’s latest winner. 

Young people are nominated for the prize by the public, and winners are awarded a special certificate, badge and a letter from Sir Jack Petchey.

Jack Petchey Environmental Awards are being awarded throughout the summer until the end of October. 

Leo, 13, has been recognised for volunteering to help the 2nd Witham Boys’ Brigade care for their land where they stage camping, expedition, conservation and forest management activities.

The foundation says his energy in helping is encouraging others. 

Leo said: “It’s a nice achievement that I have been recognised for my work.  

“I am grateful to all at Jack Petchey who nominated me for this prize.  

“I can’t wait to put the grant into things that will help with the environment at 2nd Witham Boys Brigade – thank you all.” 

Jack Petchey Foundation chief exec Gemma Juma said: “At the Jack Petchey Foundation, young people inspire us all the time with the incredible work they do.  

“We want to recognise more young people across London and Essex doing inspirational things to improve their local environment.  

“We hope these environmental awards will motivate others and showcase the positive things young people do every day to help create a sustainable future.” 

The foundation says it has worked with schools and youth groups across Braintree since funding first started, providing £494,000 in funding to schools and youth clubs. 

Sir Jack Petchey founded it in 1999 to recognise the positive contributions young people make to society and to support them in achieving their potential.  

Sir Jack Petchey, 96, said: “I am passionate about our awards scheme which enables young people to be recognised, valued and rewarded for their achievements and positive contributions to society.”