Phoebe sets the standard

The youth of the day have been getting a bad press since time immemorial.

Not all of it has been justified, but when it is, the actions of the few often tar a whole generation with the same brush.

Recently we’ve reported how a horde of 70 teenagers descended on Houghton town centre intent on a mass drinking session.

It was the latest in a long line of antisocial behaviour blighting the area including yobs throwing eggs and stones and setting fires.

For those with a dim view of the youth of today, it is grist to the mill.

Which is why we feel it’s important to temper the bad with the good.

The few rotten apples are exactly that ... the few.

There are far more young people doing good in their community, they just don’t all get the publicity they deserve.

If you’re looking for a shining example of the good being done by today’s youth, you need look no further than Phoebe Hedley.

The 18-year-old has not only battled back from cancer, but turned her experience into a positive for other young people like herself. As she reveals to us today, after being helped by the team at the Teenage Cancer Trust Unit at the Great North Children’s Hospital, she vowed to do her bit to pay them back.

The result was a fundraising campaign that saw her raise a fantastic £10,000 for the charity.

Today she launches her latest charity effort ... to do the double and top up that effort to £20,000.

“I’m pleased that the money I have raised will now help others,” she says today.

Next time you’re tempted to dismiss the youth of today, remember Phoebe and think again.

She’s one of the many good youngsters out there!