Young Achievers

The depth and breadth of achievement of Yorkshire’s young people were highlighted at the 15th annual Yorkshire Young Achievers Awards, sponsored by McCormicks Solicitors of Harrogate, on Thursday 8 November.

The Awards, held at the Leeds United Banqueting Suite at Elland Road, recognise achievement of people under 35 and have raised more than £500,000 for NCH since their inception. Awards Chairman Peter McCormick, senior partner of main sponsors McCormicks, said: “Every year the judges are astounded by the achievements of young people in this region, often in the face of adversity, and it is never easy to choose the winners. The judging took a record amount of time this year.”

Some of the of winners were:

Personality of the Year
sponsored by McCormick’s Solicitors

Eden Taylor-Draper.
Young Emmerdale star Eden, ten, plays Belle Dingle in the top-rated Yorkshire soap and has won two major television awards this year.

Youngster of the Year
sponsored by DFS

Jack Marshall of Belton, Doncaster.
Jack, who is nine, has Moebius Syndrome, a rare condition which affects his life in many ways. He has overcome adversity to complete a sponsored walk across the Humber Bridge.

NCH Young Achiever
sponsored by Hotel du Vin

Natalie Lawton of Kendray, Barnsley.
Natalie is 19 and has turned her life around after becoming pregnant at the age of 15. She is now undertaking a child care course and has been involved with NCH Leaving Care Services, becoming part of a young persons’ panel interviewing new members of staff.

Unsung Hero
sponsored by Lloyds TSB Corporate Markets

Daniel Grice, Scunthorpe.
Daniel, 11, from Scunthorpe, was diagnosed with leukaemia in February last year and has been having treatment at Sheffield Children’s Hospital ever since. Since being diagnosed, Daniel has raised more than £6,000 for the Children’s Hospital.