INSPIRATIONAL

youngsters who are the finalists for Young Personality.

The winner will be revealed at the awards night at the John Smith’s CODY Rushworth suffers from a condition which often leaves him in pain ... but he is always thinking of others.

He suffers from dyspraxia, a development disorder of the brain which affects his co-ordination, how he processes information and he has reduced vision in his left eye. He also has hypermobility which leaves him with painful joints.

Last year the Oakes 10-year-old started with Riding for the Disabled (RDA) and was named Most Talented Beginner as well as passing certificates in horse-riding and horse care.

He was so delighted to get the opportunity, he has been busy fundraising to give something back to RDA by baking cakes and supporting friend Bob Hudson doing a half-marathon in Bradford where Cody went round the crowds collecting money.

He sold raffle tickets and helped run a stall in Huddersfield’s indoor market to make as much money as he can for RDA.

He also raised money for the Dyspraxia Foundation by helping to organise a fancy dress day at his dad, Steve’s work – he is the business development manager at Lockwood glass company Novaglaze Ltd – and has taken food to The Welcome Centre which is then distributed to people in need. Cody is also keen to help the homeless in Huddersfield, donating money and bottles of water.

His mum, Kelly, said: “On a daily basis Cody struggles with the simplest of things such as getting dressed, following instructions, tying shoelaces, PE, balance and co-ordination.

“He has to wear special inserts in his shoes to help with his hypermobility which often causes him pain. He gets pain in his hands and fingers when he’s at school doing his writing.

“He has endless appointments to see podiatry, opticians, physio, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and rheumatology but takes it all in his stride.

“Most forms of exercise, including the horse riding that he loves, result in Cody having pain so he has to take regular pain relief but despite this he never gives up and continues every day to make us proud.”

Cody attends Hillside Primary in Newsome where the staff have worked closely with him to build his confidence.

He helps out with the morning breakfast club and does jobs for the kitchen staff to help them prepare for dinner.

Now he even does afterschool clubs including street dance, taekwondo, football and basketball.

Cody has a younger brother, three-year-old Riley.