Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford praises young Jacob's Well volunteer, 11, for charity work feeding children of Gosport

Rogan Morrill has been an active member of Gosport charity Jacob’s Well Care Centre since he was able to walk and is always volunteering in the food bank or furniture warehouse.

Despite numerous personal challenges including living with rare genetic disorder Cornelia de Lange syndrome, Rogan helps to prepare food parcels, load the van and stack shelves at the family-run charity.

When asked why he works so hard for charity, Rogan said: ‘Because it's what we do in our family. Jacob’s Well is there to help everybody and when I'm 16 I will work on the vans delivering all the food.’

He helped make more than 200 lunches during the October half term to feed children in Gosport, inspired by footballer and activist Marcus Rashford.

Manchester United fan Rogan’s hard work was recognised by a visit from the police force in Gosport, which led to Marcus Rashford tweeting his pride for Rogan’s work.

The kindhearted youngster said: ‘I didn't believe it was real, it makes me feel proud and I want to be like Rashford, score goals and help the children. Manchester United are the best.

‘He is the best player in the world, he always scores the most goals, and he works with FareShare like we do. I wish I could meet him.’

Due to Rogan’s learning difficulties, he can find it hard to speak around people he doesn’t know, but at Jacob’s Well he has the confidence to talk freely so he can help others.

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His mum, Cherish Pottinger, said: ‘As Rogan’s mum I am beyond proud. He faces struggles every day, he doesn't have friendship groups and before lockdown he was taken out of school because it's just too challenging for him.

‘It really amazes me all that my little boy suffers from daily and he still has such a strong desire to help others. There is nothing he can't do.’

Fareham and Gosport police community support officer Kieran Howard, who went to visit Rogan, printed out the tweet from Marcus Rashford and posted it to the excited volunteer.

Kieran said: ‘It’s been an incredibly challenging time for everyone, so it was wonderful to meet Rogan and see some of the positive work that’s being done within our communities at such an uncertain time.

‘We were blown away with the incredible job Rogan has been doing at Jacobs Well’s The Store Cupboard, despite being only 11 years old and facing many personal challenges himself. He is an absolute credit to himself and to the community.’

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At the end of January, Rogan plans to do a mile-long scooter ride along Stokes Bay with his brothers to raise funds for 100 Bee Happy packs with home learning items, sweets and toys for children in Gosport.

Rogan is also setting up a children’s pen pal service for lockdown by sending out stamped envelopes to children who have used the food bank to write letters to Rogan and his brothers.

Visit gofundme.com/f/rogans-bee-happy-packs-jwcc to donate towards Rogan’s Bee Happy packs.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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