About the Book
This inspiring book is a celebration of friendship from 11-year-old Pride of Britain winners, Hughie and Freddie. Hughie Higginson and Freddie Xavi tell us why friends are so special, and show us what we can all do to be a brilliant friend!
Hughie and Freddie raised more than GBP250,000 after Hughie was diagnosed with leukaemia and Freddie vowed to help him thank his doctors and nurses.
They won the Pride of Britain Young Fundraiser Award 2021.
Hughie, 11 was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia last September and began three and a half years of treatment at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. He wanted to say thank you to the medics looking after him so he signed up for the hospital charity’s fundraising walk.
Sadly, on the day he was too ill to take part, which is when best friend Freddie, 10, stepped up. He devised his own fundraising challenge on behalf of his pal, running 2km every day in the 50 days leading up to Christmas.
He completed the final 2km on Christmas morning, pounding the streets before opening his presents. Hughie summoned all his strength to join his mate on the final stretch so they could cross the line together, hand-in-hand.
The football-mad boys’ inspirational friendship, and incredible fundraising efforts touched hearts in their Lancashire community and beyond, and the pair have now raised more than £220,000. Pride of Britain Awards, 2021
25p per copy of Friends are Amazing sold goes to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity
Erica Salcado is a freelance children’s illustrator who lives in Spain.
Book Review
Friends are the best!
Mum says: This holds a special place for us as we were regular visitors to Manchester Children’s hospital a few years ago.
Maryam says: I liked this book because it reminds me of my friends and the fun things we do together. It also shows how to be a good friend.
My favourite part was when the friends were having a sleepover with midnight treats in the treehouse. Friends are the best.
If you would would like to buy a copy of the book we invite you to order it from your local independent book shop.
Or, you can shop on-line and support our Kids Reviews page by sourcing your discounted book via this link
Alternatively, we suggest that you visit your local library and request to borrow a copy from a friendly librarian.
Whichever you choose, we hope you enjoy being part of your unique reading community – happy reading everyone!
Reviewer Profile
- Name: Maryam
- Age: 5 years
- Likes: reading books, playing in the mud and crafting
- Dislikes: raisins and tidying up
- Favourite Book: The Invisible String by Patrcie Karst
- Favourite Song: Ramadan Moon by Cat Stevens
- Favourite Film: The Octonauts
