Andy Drozdziak
Head Boy of leading independent Catholic school Stonyhurst, Dilip Gosall, has been named as a Coronation Champion by the King and Queen for outstanding charitable endeavours.
Dilip,17, a Sixth Form pupil at Stonyhurst, and volunteer for local charity Maundy Relief, has been recognised for his role as the charity’s youngest Trustee and his extensive fundraising efforts.
Dilip, who is recovering from a life-threatening heart transplant, completed a 100km bike ride as part of his recovery, whilst raising nearly £2,000 for the CAFOD Syria and Turkey Appeal and £5,500 for the Wythenshawe Transplant Unit.
The coronation champion programme rewards extraordinary volunteers across the country who have contributed to their communities.
The 17-year-old from Lancashire is one of 500 Coronation Champions selected by The Royal Voluntary Service in celebration of the coronation. The Coronation Champions Awards invited people across the UK to nominate their local volunteering heroes who are going the extra mile. Almost 5000 entries were received, with nominations made for individuals aged 14 up to 103.
Dilip spoke of being ‘thrilled and honoured’ at the news that he has become a Coronation Champion.
“I am blessed to be a volunteer and Trustee at a Charity that transforms lives and is the beating heart of the community. Thank you for nominating me and for your unconditional support,” he said.
“I am thrilled and honoured to receive this award at the time of the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. I am extremely grateful to the entire Maundy family. They have inspired me through their public service, generosity, and humility. Many people are currently facing difficult challenges and Maundy Relief is a haven for all its guests.”
Dilip, along with fellow Coronation Champions, attended the Windsor Castle Coronation Concert and received a specially designed official Coronation Champions pin and a certificate signed by the new King and Queen. The star-studded event featured British band Take That, Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, and US singers Katy Perry and Nicole Scherzinger.
Stonyhurst Headmaster John Browne paid tribute to Dilip’s ‘outstanding’ achievements.
“Dilip is an outstanding member of the Stonyhurst family and continues to be a shining example of a ‘young man for others’ through several selfless acts and charitable initiatives,” Mr Browne said.
“Dilip has a relentless passion to help others and continues to make a positive impact in the world. Stonyhurst is very proud of the young man he has become.”
Dilip’s efforts prompted Maundy Relief CEO Lucy Hardwick to nominate him for a Coronation Champion Award after raising over £10, 250 for the charity.
Dilip’s efforts were previously rewarded when he was presented with the British Citizen Youth Award by Dame Mary Perkins and Kimberly Wyatt from pop band Pussycat Dolls during a ceremony at the Palace of Westminster in October 2022.