The Yorkshire Children of Courage awards was established in 2011 and is now an established fundraising event that takes place annually. The event aims to honour admirable young people in the award ceremony and raise funds for deserving charities. Charities included are: HG1000 an organisation which aims to provide water filters to the developing world, Wakefield Hospice which provides specialist care and support for those diagnosed with active, advanced, progressive or life limiting illness and Grenfell club a social club for adults and children which physical and learning disabilities.
This year the awards were held on the 16th October at the Royal Armouries in central Leeds. And once again we had a fantastic time celebrating the accomplishments of these phenomenal children and young adults. Every young person nominated has achieved astonishing things and is truly an inspiration.
The event was the biggest yet and was hosted by BBC Breakfast’s Steph McGovern! The 300 strong crowd came together and fantastically raised over 100k. We were sat shoulder to shoulder with the Yorkshire Children of Courage ambassadors The Chuckle Brothers and Britain’s got Talent star Jack Carroll. There was a sea of other celebrity guests including Helen Oldham, Kate Hardcastle, Christine Talbot, Claire Young and Sir Gary Verity.
Ascensor have supported this charity for many years and are extremely proud to attend the annual event and sponsor the 0-12 years Special Recognition award category. This year Andrew Firth presented the award along-side Steph McGovern to the amazing Toby Lancaster. Toby aged eight, has Down’s syndrome and throughout his life has spent a great deal of time in hospital due to his three major heart surgeries. However this doesn’t stop him! Known as “Toby Trouble” to his family Toby has overcome these struggles and is a brilliant, lively young boy who is a whirlwind of energy and fun.
See full list of winners below:
0-12
- Outstanding Bravery Award – Ivy Mitchell
- Outstanding Bravery Award – Matilda Booth
- Fundraiser Award – Nicola Sartin
- Special Recognition – Toby Lancaster
- Young Career of the Year Award – Lewis Buntain
- Sporting Achievement Award – Junior Frood
- Young Hero Award – Kadell Anderson Brown
13-18
- Outstanding Bravery Award – Bethanie Price
- Fundraiser Award – Megan Hardy
- Special Recognition – Lawrence Nicholas
- Young Career of the Year Award – Heather Shore
- Sporting Achievement Award – Lewis Eccles
Finally the Group Award – The Donkey Sanctuary, Leeds
Overall the event was a resounding success with 12 greatly deserving award winners accompanied by gallant nominees. Congratulations to everyone involved, it was a truly magical night to celebrate some truly magical children. To see the full stories behind the winners visit Yorkshire Children of Courage website