Award-winning fundraiser Milan Paul Kumar meets the PM and his wife at the Christmas tree lights switch on event

Milan Kumar at 10 Downing Street

10-year-old award-winning fundraiser Milan Paul Kumar was invited to 10 Downing Street where he met prime minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty for the Christmas tree lights switch on event.

The prime minister also met and interacted with Ukrainians who had found shelter in Britain, serving personnel from Catterick Garrison in Yorkshire as well as Points of Light award winners for the event.

The young boy, who is from Bolton, Greater Manchester, is a Points of Light winner which recognises the outstanding contributions made by individual volunteers to the community, as a result of which he received the invitation.

Milan Kumar with Akshata Murty

During the event, Kumar was thrilled to meet the Sunaks. The prime minister welcomed him with a friendly smile and ‘hi’ and then his wife Akshata led him up the stairs in the famous residence to the reception rooms, where she asked Kumar his name and chatted to him.

According to a statement, he spoke to Akshata on two separate occasions and even managed see the PM again at the end to say, ‘bye and thank you.’

“Today I had the honour and privilege of meeting the Prime Minister and his wife at 10 Downing Street. They are such lovely, friendly, down to earth people. Thank you for welcoming me into your home,” the champion said after the event.

Before the Christmas lights were switched on, Christmas carols were sung, and music was played to mark the occasion. The tree for Downing Street this year came from Staffordshire.