Future Star nominee – Madison Toplass

Future Star nominee – Madison Toplass

Teenager Madison Toplass was awarded Youth Activist of the Year 2024 at Jamie Oliver’s Good School Food Awards in recognition of her years of fundraising in Stoke-on-Trent.

The 16-year-old, from Oakhill, has raised more than £8,000 for causes including the food department at Thistley Hough Academy, Stoke City’s Big Sleep Out, people affected by the war in Ukraine and to support her former school principal who had cancer.

She’s organised bake sales, raising thousands in the process. She was also given the role of Head of Community and Culture at Thistley Hough Academy, which gave her fundraising a platform.

Madison was given the Community Award and also the Principal’s Award at the end of high school with her headteacher calling her “an exceptional young individual who has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to academic achievement, leadership and service to others.”

Her fundraising began at the age of 13 after she was inspired by her mum, Sally Toplass.

Sally said: “As my line of work is community support, Madison took it upon herself to help where she could. She has raised over £8000 in this time. Some of this has been donated to local charities in the city.

“I feel extremely proud of the kind-hearted person she is, watching her have the passion and drive to help the community.”

Sally has nominated her daughter in the Future Star category of the Your Heroes Awards.

Madison said: “I’m very grateful for the nomination but I don’t do what I do because of the recognition. I do it to help people.”