Six-year-old Rex Davies, who lives with a vision impairment, was given an incredible surprise on Thursday 10 November, as he was presented with the Inspirational Young Person of the Year award by his favourite superhero Charlie Cox at Guide Dogs' Annual People Awards.
The Daredevil actor, who has also appeared as the character in the Spiderman and She-Hulk franchises, had initially been asked to record a congratulatory video message for young Rex. However, when Charlie heard about Rex’s inspirational fundraising for Guide Dogs, he kindly offered to not only record a video message, but to present the award and host the event. Charlie recorded a message anyway, congratulating Rex on his nomination and saying he hoped he’d meet him one day. Little did Rex realise he was going to meet his hero the very next day!
In his role as Daredevil, Charlie Cox pays the role of blind lawyer Matt Murdock, who fights crime by night in the popular series now on Disney Plus. The series challenged perceptions of sight loss and Cox deservedly received a Helen Keller Achievement Award for his portrayal of the Marvel comic-book character.
Rex, from Darlington, has an eye condition called optic atrophy, as well as nystagmus, and attended the ceremony in Reading with his mum and dad, Lorna and John and Lorna’s guide dog Yarren. Both Lorna and Rex have the same vision impairment and seeing how much having a guide dog has helped his mum, Rex was inspired to fundraise for the charity.
In doing so, and at just five-years-old, Rex challenged himself to do a 3km muddy obstacle course and raised more than £1000 to help others living with a vision impairment throughout the UK.
“Rex had taken a big interest in Charlie Cox, as he absolutely loves Daredevil. When Rex begins to start using a white cane, he wants one that looks the same as the one Charlie’s character Matt Murdock uses. It is so nice for Rex to have a cool superhero like that to look up to and to meet him was such a surprise. By coming along, Charlie has definitely created a memory that will last a lifetime for Rex.”
- Lorna, Rex's mum
Rex received multiple nominations for his fundraising efforts, having inspired so many people by not just raising funds, but also awareness of Guide Dogs UK and the services provided for people with sight loss across the country. His story also inspired Charlie Cox, who was thrilled to be able to present him with the award.
I was honoured to present Rex with his Inspirational Young Person of the Year award at Guide Dogs’ award ceremony on Thursday. I heard Rex’s story, all that he has achieved at such a young age, and it was a real privilege to be invited to play a part in making the day special for him and his family. The passion, enthusiasm and commitment Rex has shown to helping others makes him as much of a superhero as Daredevil. Congratulations to Rex and all who have supported him in raising funds and awareness for such a worthwhile cause.
- Charlie Cox
You can support Rex's fundraiser here.
