Young Stars Awards final nominations

2017-03-16 -

Here are all your nominees for the first ever Young Stars Awards.

The Scarborough News, along with our sister papers the Whitby Gazette and the Filey and Hunmanby Mercury, plus Scarborough Borough Council and sponsor McCain, launched the awards in order to recognise the achievements of the area’s children.

The event is a new version of the successful Borough’s Big Thank You Awards, with the judging and sponsors this year changing to a dedicated family and youth focus instead.

Scarborough Rugby Union Football Club has generously agreed to provide the venue and refreshments for the inaugural event on April 3.

Mayor of the Borough of Scarborough Cllr Simon Green said: “I am delighted that Young Stars 2017 is providing a platform for the Borough to recognise the often unseen and unsung efforts of youths and children of all ages.

“Children often do things for others, either because they need to, or simply want to, which can impact on others’ lives so much in a positive way.”

Television presenter and former Miss Scarborough Carolyn Hodgson will host the Young Stars Awards.

Carolyn, who grew up in Scarborough, said: “I am very much looking forward to a great event.”

Nominees and nominators will be contacted in the next week with full details of the event. Nominee: Rosie Gower

Age: 11 Category: An act of kindness by a youngster Reason for nomination:

Every Saturday, rain or shine, Layla comes to the Raw Animal Practice to clean out the animals, walk dogs and any other jobs to help the animals at the charity. Layla started volunteering at the charity in the summer of 2016 and has since spent a lot of time fundraising including a bake sale at Robin Hood’s Bay, a beach clean and a table top sale. Nominee: St Augustine’s Jazz Orchestra

Age: Various Category: Young Entertainer(s) Reason for nomination: This team of musicians love playing together and have gone from strength to strength, especially with the amazing performances in the last year with some amazing events in Scarborough, Yorkshire and Europe. Last year they performed at Sewerby Hall, Scarborough town centre, Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, the Evian Music Festival and an arts festival in Lausanne, both in France. They have helped put Scarborough firmly on the musical map with their outstanding ability and showmanship. Nominee: George Bramham Age: 14 Category: Charity Helping/ Campaigning Reason for nomination:

George signed up to the World Challenge last year and his goal is to raise £2,600 ahead of his trip to India in 2018 to help young children with their education and teach them English. He approached Yorkshire Coast Homes who were very impressed. He has organised a range of fundraisers including a cake sale, shoe shining, car wash, quiz night. So far he has raised £580, which was then matched by Yorkshire Coast Homes. George is fantastic, well-mannered and and an inspiration to others. Nominee: Olivia Scott

Age: 9 Category: Young Carer of the Year Reason for nomination:

Up until the age of six, Olivia was a normal girl with a normal life. Then her life changed following the birth of her disabled younger brother. The event made Olivia change into an even more caring and understanding young girl. She has had to sacrifice time with her parents to go to Bobby’s hospital appointments and also misses out on childhood treats like days out because Bobby doesn’t like going out. We even had to cancel a holiday to Butlins, which she was so excited for, because of hospital and she didn’t mind. Yet she never complains or resents him, instead she spends time looking after him as well as the two youngest ones and does therapy with him. She sits reading books to him even though he doesn’t know what’s going on. She really is an inspiration to us all and has matured into a girl who protects her brother from the people who sadly don’t understand. Nominee: Flynn Duncan-Fewster Age: 12 Category: Special Recognition Reason for nomination:

Flynn is an inspirational young man to both young and old. He is a junior instructor at a martial arts group and volunteers every night of the week to children from four years old up to adults. Flynn has struggled with his own confidence after being bullied at school and the club is his way of dealing with his frustrations. All the students look up to him and he is very well thought of throughout the club. He wants to become a teacher in his own right when he turns 16. Nominee: Liana Borg-Herring Age: 8 Category: Charity Helping/ Campaigner Reason for nomination:

After visiting a sanctuary for rescued turtles in Malta while on a family holiday aged three, Liana grew interested in them and decided to adopt a sea turtle as part of her sixth birthday present. The family were present to see ‘Monster’ released back into the wild. She then was inspired to write to her headteacher and encourage her friends to donate leftover holiday money to adopt another turtle. Money goes towards building a new sanctuary as well as their upkeep and rehabilitation costs. Liana began spending hours making small items at home to sell to her friends for up to 75p. After raising money for turtles for three years, she has been instrumental in adopting 12 turtles. Nominee: LaylaJai Simms Age: 11 Category: An act of kindness by a youngster Reason for nomination:

Age: 5 Category: Courage Over Physical Adversity Reason for nomination:

Frankie was born with half of her left arm missing. Never has this stopped her from being adventurous, lively and entertaining. Nothing ever phases her and she amazes everyone she meets with her bubbly nature and not letting her disability get in the way of doing anything, from riding a bike to cartwheels. She is a true inspiration to all who cross her path. Nominee: Issac Brown

Age: 5

Category: Courage Over Physical Adversity Reason for nomination: Issac has cerebral palsy and walks with a frame and sticks while needing to use a wheelchair for longer journeys. He has undergone major surgery from last year in the form of Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) surgery and has worked really hard on his recovery. He endures physio and treatment every week but he never complains. He is such a happy little man. His smile is infectious, is a constant joy and brightens the day of anyone he meets or knows. He is a proud player for Scarborough Athletic frame football team and never lets his disability get in the way of trying any activity. His happy outlook keeps us all going. Nominee: Bobby Reed

Age: 3 Category: Courage Over Physical Adversity Reason for nomination:

Bobby has global development delay across the board. He has communication and vocal disabilities as well as autism and feeding issues. Through it all, he is so determined to do all the things he can. Some days Bobby is like a newborn baby yet he still has a big smile on his face. Nominee: Alex Potter

Age: 13 Category: An act of kindness by a youngster Reason for nomination:

Alex’s mother suffers from rheumatoid arthritis and has had a double hip replacement. Following treatment she has been cared for by Alex, without complaint, including dressing her. He does all the house work, gardening, rabbit feeding and cleaning. I could not ask for a more caring son. Alex is also a volunteer young leader at his youth club in Eastfield while finding time to play cricket for Flixton and football for Ayton. His actions make a huge difference to his mother who would otherwise struggle with day-to-day activities. Nominee: Kitty Jackson Age: 14 Category: Charity Helping/ Campaigning Reason for nomination:

Kitty works incredibly hard at school, has a significant caring role at home supporting her family to look after her two younger sisters who both attend a special school. Kitty still finds time to be a leading member of Scarborough and Ryedale Carers Resource Young Carers Youth Council. Her passion and commitment to raising awareness of the challenges young carers can sometime face, is fabulous - and she is a key developer in the new #wecare campaign to ensure schools and colleges in the area are supporting young carers in the right way to succeed. Her time and dedication to working with us at a practical and strategic level are beyond her years. Nominee: Laura Barker

Age: 14 Category: Young Carer(s) Reason for nomination:

Laura supports her mum and brother on a daily basis with the ‘usual’ challenges of family life. Her mum suffers from high anxiety and often experiences deep depression – this is something she does not share with many people, and as a result is quite isolated; rarely seeking support/help from outside the home; Laura’s brother has ADHD. Laura’s level of emotional (and practical) support for mum is magical to watch - she gives her mum the confidence she needs to support the family and create a happy home. At school Laura is a quiet but impressive support mechanism for her brother - she has worked with school staff to help them understand what her brother needs to succeed - with this level of support and intelligence, his school life is really improving. Nominee: Elizabeth Lucy McClure Young Age: 14 Category: An act of kindness by a youngster Reason for nomination:

In June 2016 we tragically lost our daughter and Elizabeth’s sister, Penny.

Through this difficult time Elizabeth has been a rock.

She’s the sweetest, kindest and most helpful teenager. Elizabeth has written poetry to help her through it and has a great talent for it.

She auditioned for Britain’s

Got Talent shortly after we lost Penny and, although she found it incredibly hard, said she wanted to do it for Penny.

Elizabeth has the courage and bravery to inspire us all. Nominee: Emily Hinchcliffe Age: 16 Category: Young Volunteer Reason for nomination:

Emily has selflessly helped, advised and guided young people who are undertaking their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award at least two evenings a week after school for the last six months. I believe she deserves some kind of recognition other than a verbal thank you. Nominee: Declan Carney-Anderson Age: 15 Category: Special Recognition Reason for nomination:

Declan’s life story came to an end on December 11 2016 - the day of his 15th birthday.

Declan never for one moment let his disability stop him from living the fullest of lives.

He was born with a unique chromosome disorder which meant he had severe learning difficulties which left him unable to talk or walk.

He overcame terrible illnesses during his childhood, being severely poorly and recovering from countless operations and became stronger until he was able to use his walker and his bike, which he loved to do.

Declan wanted to give something back to the people who cared for him and so Declan Superboy was born.

He raised £1,500 for charity after walking around 1.5 miles around Marine Drive in his walker which was an amazing effort.

He inspired everyone who knew him and in a world of sadness, shined a light on everyone who met him. Nominee: Katie Pooley

Age: 15 Category: Charity Helping/ Campaigning Reason for nomination:

Katie motivated and cajoled a group of friends to help organise a non-uniform fundraising day which included a tombola, bake sale, brica-brac and more. The day raised £350 for Cancer Research UK. Nominee: Toby Towner Age: 15 Category: Act of kindness by a youngster Reason for nomination:

Toby’s friend went through a traumatic and distressing experience and he went above and beyond to support him. He gave up his own time to give moral support to his friend. Nominee: Daniel Baxter

Age: 15 Category: Courage Over Physical Adversity Reason for nomination:

Despite having a disability which affects the muscles and tendons in his legs, Daniel has had the courage and determination to successfully complete his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Nominee: Harry Baker Age: 9

Category: Charity Helping/