Yorkshire Children of Courage: Young and the brave will have their day

THE bravest children in Yorkshire will be recognised at a prestigious charity event to be attended by some of the region’s top names.
Jack Carroll, who will co-host the awards ceremony with Breakfast TVs Steph McGovern.Jack Carroll, who will co-host the awards ceremony with Breakfast TVs Steph McGovern.
Jack Carroll, who will co-host the awards ceremony with Breakfast TVs Steph McGovern.

Yorkshire Children of Courage will be held at The Armouries in Leeds, and there is still time to nominate a young person.

The aim of the event is to raise money to help youngsters living difficult lives, as well as to honour those children in our region who have shown courage in dealing with difficult circumstances.

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The award, which is in its third year, was set up by St James’s Place Foundation, the charitable arm of the St James’s Place wealth management company.

Since it began 21 years ago, the foundation has raised more than £30m and distributed funds to more than 700 charities, with grants ranging from a few hundred pounds to in excess of £1m.

Its main aim is to support disadvantaged and disabled young people under the age of 25, including young carers.

The Yorkshire Post is a media partner for the awards and managing director Helen Oldham said: “These awards recognise the huge courage and resilience of some of the youngest members of our communities and go some way towards giving them the recognition that they so richly deserve.”

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One of the winners at the first event included the then 12-year-old Jack Carroll.

He received the Fundraiser Award and judges said: “His stand-up comedy is an inspiration to us all. He never complains about his condition but looks at the positives in life.”

Jack went on to be runner-up in the UK’s biggest talent show, Britain’s Got Talent, and this year he will co-host Children of Courage

He said: “I want to say a huge thank you to Yorkshire Children of Courage for all the help and support and I am proud to be coming back to help host the award ceremony.”

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Other winners at that first event included Bethany Hare, who managed to raise more than £7,500 for a children’s hospice by creating her own tribute to her grandfather.

Bethany dressed up as her grandfather’s favourite comic Charlie Chaplin, sang the song Smile, posted it on the web, and was an instant hit.

George Stoker was one of the winners from last year, chosen by judges to take the Fundraiser Award in the 0-12 age group. George was diagnosed with a brain tumour in October 2008 and underwent 48 weeks of gruelling chemotherapy as part of his treatment.

But he kept noticing other children who were “more poorly” than him and became determined to help them.

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Since then, on his own road to recovery, he has raised £50,000 for Candlelighters a local cancer charity.

An audience of around 700 is expected to enjoy this year’s extravaganza, which will include lots of entertainment.

Hosting alongside Jack will be BBC Breakfast business journalist Steph McGovern and there will be plenty of celebrities supporting the event, including writer Kay Mellor, whose last drama The Syndicate about a group of Lottery winners has attracted the attention of Hollywood, and her successful actress daughter Gaynor Faye, currently appearing in Emmerdale.

Panto star and comedian Billy Pearce will also be in attendance, along with Gary and Kath Hetherington, two leading figures from the world of Rugby League.

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Support from the business community in the region is strong: main sponsors are Aagrah restaurants, Arrow Cars, Mill House Furniture, Blacks Solicitors and Reward Capital.

Ticket sponsors are estate agents Manning Stainton while award sponsors include a range of prestigious businesses across the region.

Organisers are hoping to raise £60,000 which will be given to local causes to help improve lives.

TO NOMINATE

Nominations covering five categories can be made until September 2. There are two age groups for each category: 0-12 and 13-18. 
The categories are:

Outstanding Bravery

Fundraiser

Special Recognition

Young Carer

Sporting Achievement

Group Award (across both age groups)

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To nominate a child or to find out more about past winners visit: www.yorkshirechildren.co.uk

To attend

If you would like to attend the event on Friday Oct 4, tickets cost £65 each or £600 for a table of ten and include a three-course Indian banquet by Aagrah restaurant.

Call Jane Clynes Events on 07703271238 to book.

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