Big-hearted Edinburgh boy refuses birthday gifts to donate £2,000

A thoughtful schoolboy has raised thousands of pounds for charity by refusing presents for his past four birthdays.

Eight-year-old Iggy Just, from Edinburgh, asks family and friends to donate to good causes rather than bring a gift to his birthday parties.

So far, he’s raised more than £2,000 and has even inspired some of his classmates to do likewise. Iggy’s mum, Natasha, said: “Being born on New Year’s Day, Iggy has a special birthday, so we thought it would be nice to do something equally special to mark the occasion.

“Having a birthday just a week after Christmas, he already has lots of presents, so the last thing he needs is new toys from his classmates.”

Last year, Iggy raised more than £1,000 for Alzheimer Scotland, a charity personal to him as his grandad, John, has dementia.

Iggy lives in the house below his grandparents, so is very close to them, and is part of his grandpa’s daily support network. The youngster even received a medal last year at the British Citizen Awards, held at the Palace of Westminster, in recognition of being a young carer to John.

And at a fancy dress party on Hogmanay, Iggy had 40 friends join him to celebrate him turning eight.

His mum says he will continue raising for good causes for as long as he has big birthday parties.

Natasha added: “He’s a clever kid and is so selfless, and I’m not just saying that as his mum.”

Iggy said: “Because it’s just been Christmas, it would just be a waste. So I felt it was better to donate to people who need it more than me.”