YOUNG heroes were recognised for their outstanding achievements at the Pride of Somerset Youth Awards on Friday.

Teenagers from Taunton & West Somerset were among the host of recipients honoured at a celebratory presentation ceremony at Somerset College in Taunton.

Parents and family members joined supporters and awards organisers for the evening at the Conference Centre, which was made available free of charge for the event.

College caterers provided drinks and canapés and guests were welcomed with music by The Castle School clarinet quintet.

The annual awards were organised by The Rotary Club of Taunton with the Somerset County Gazette and BBC Somerset, and the BBCs Emma Britton was compere for the evening, Prizes were presented by the organisers and sponsors including Prospect Services and Avon and Somerset Police.

Sarah Hyde, of the County Gazette, said: "It was a privilege to meet these inspirational young people and their families.

Some had shown courage and determination to overcome health issues which would halt most people in their tracks, others showed compassion and resilience beyond their years, and yet more dazzled with sporting achievements and dedication.

"It was incredibly difficult to choose the winners from all those nominated; every single one shone out."

Charlie Gingell

Somerset County Gazette:

CHARLIE and Elizabeth Gingell with Ken Padgett. 

CHARLIE Gingell showed his bullies who was best after standing up to them and giving an assembly to his school about his autism.

The 18-year-old from Yeovil is constantly striving to raise awareness of autism.

Not only did he stand up at his school but he has also appeared on Sky News to talk about the effects of bullying on autistic children.

Last year he was asked to help direct a charity advert for autism after impressing the director with his impressive knowledge of films and actors.

The advert, about sensory issues experienced by those on the autistic spectrum was broadcast on Sky Atlantic earlier this year. Charlie was chosen as one of the National Autistic Society’s Young Campaigners back in 2013.

He works with a group of young people on the autistic spectrum to raise awareness of the condition.

They have produced an educational toolkit to help students learn more about autism and are currently working on awareness in the run-up to the General Election.

He was nominated by his mum Deborah, who said: “Charlie is an amazing young man who has had to struggle against the odds throughout his life and still faces many more battles ahead of him.

“Me and my husband are immensely proud of what he has achieved.”

Rhianna Hawkins

Somerset County Gazette:

RHIANNA Hawkins with Nicola Squibb.

SHE might only be 16, but Rhianna Hawkins has already won a BAFTA after designing a game.

She beat off competition from hundreds of other youngsters, to be given the prestigious Game Concept Award at the BAFTA Young Game Designers Competition.

Rhianna, from Cheddon Fitzpaine, designed a game for mobile phones called ‘Tomatoes Role’ which invites players to help a tomato make it into the fruit family.

Since winning the award last year, she has been having her game developed at the University of Abertay in Dundee.

She was the first female ever to win the award and Rhianna has been helping to inspire other youngsters to follow their dreams.

She has been visiting BAFTA throughout the year and hopes to study at Abertay University when the time comes.

Rhianna was nominated by her mum Sarah. At the time Rhianna won, Sarah said she was so proud of her daughter.

Alice Vernon

Somerset County Gazette:

ALICE Vernon and James Vernon.

AFTER reading about the First World War, Alice Vernon was inspired to do something to help the Armed Forces.

She contacted the Royal British Legion and, using her own pocket money to buy materials, she made poppies and sold them in Taunton Town Centre.

Looking to raise even more funds for the Legion, Alice made extra poppies which she sold in her school, Bishop Fox’s.

In between homework and her swimming club, the 13-year-old continued to make and sell poppies, raising a magnificent £202.78.

Alice’s endeavours were earned her coverage in the County Gazette and the Bridgwater Mercury.

Last November, Alice turned her fund-raising skills to help the Think Amy Campaign and has also taken part in numerous swimathons.

She has already started work on a new poppy design and is looking forward to helping the Royal British Legion in this year’s appeal.

Alice Barnett-Jones

Somerset County Gazette:

ALICE Barnett-Jones with Chief Superintendent Damon Tilley. 

ALICE Barnett-Jones has refused to let asthma or dyslexia stop her from getting the most out of life or helping others to do the same.

Alice, 18, is a volunteer helper with Taunton Asthmatic Swimming Club, a Young Leader with Guides and Brownies and a volunteer Young Leader with the National Citizenship Service.

She achieved extremely high marks for her Diploma in Performing Arts at Somerset College where she was elected Student President in her final year.

Its little wonder that Alice is described as an inspiration to so many young people in Somerset.

Hannah Bird

Somerset County Gazette:

SARAH Hyde with Hannah Bird. 

WATER skiing might have started out as a hobby for 16-year-old Hannah, but her determination turned into a dream, winning her awards across Europe.

The teenager from Burnham started water skiing in May 2013 and enjoyed it so much, she decided to give a race a go.

After begging and borrowing some kit, she won her category and ended up coming second overall in 2013 after taking part in every British race.

She hit the water stronger and with more determination in 2014 and was accepted into Team GB for the European Championships.

She won the British Championships, the European Cup Series and came a close second in the European Championship.

Hannah has been working hard over the winter with the national coach and Bath University and has been awarded a sports grant from British Waterski.

The grant is only available to elite young athletes to assist them in reaching their goals in the coming season.

Nominators Beverley and Sarah Milner-Simonds said: “Hannah’s determination to be the best in her chosen sport is inspiring and I know we both train harder in our own sports after hearing about her schedule.”

April Sage

Somerset County Gazette:

APRIL Sage with Sarah Hyde. 

A STUDENT at Taunton Academy who has not always found school easy has started a peer mentoring service for other students who find life difficult.

Chaplain, Rev Mike Haslam, said April Sage, 17, has been an outstanding student in many ways.

“April helped to set up a peer mentoring service at the Academy to help those who were struggling,” he said.

“As a peer mentor she gave a huge amount of time to listen to students and to help people to come together and listen to and understand each other.

“Her work had a real impact. April won a Somerset Anne Frank award for her work as a Peer Mentor in 2013.”

April has also been heavily involved in helping to raise money for Kelsey’s cancer fund.

She has organised raffles and other activities to raise money to help pay for Kelsey’s treatment.

As part of her health and social care course, April volunteered at Open Door in Taunton where she went far beyond the call of duty.

“Throughout this her dad has been seriously ill and April has often had to fulfil the role of lead carer in her household,” added Rev Haslam.

Cathlin Bottomley

Somerset County Gazette:

NICOLA Squibb with Cathlin Bottomley 

SELFLESS Cathlin Bottomley never asks for anything in return despite doing all she can to take care of her family and friends when they need her.

The 15-year-old from Taunton helped to look after her mum Joanne after she became seriously ill with Lupus, while keeping up with her school work and volunteering.

Cathlin helped cook for her family when Joanne was bed bound, helped with shopping and helped to keep the house running while Joanne was in hospital.

She is a volunteer young leader with Trinity Scout and helps with the Beavers. Joanne, who nominated her daughter, said: “She is patient and kind with the children and is amazing with the more exuberant children, keeping them safe and out of trouble.

“Even the Beavers parents comment on how good she is with them, particularly on camps where she will turn her hand to any task.

“She works her hardest at school and is never in trouble.

“We have never asked her to do any of these things and she never asks for anything in return.”

Elizabeth Gingell

Somerset County Gazette: CHARLIE and Elizabeth Gingell with Ken Padgett. 

CARING Elizabeth Gingell always helps her parents when there are difficult situations involving her brother, Charlie, who has autism.

The 15-year-old attends the Somerset Young Carers group in Yeovil and has also been chosen as a representative for the Somerset Young Carers Forum.

Thanks to this role, she has helped to represent young carers across the county and has spoken to members of Somerset County Council about recent cuts to youth services.

Elizabeth has been interviewed by Ofsted inspectors after writing a letter about the provision of services for young carers in schools.

A talented musician, Elizabeth also did a series of public performances in Beales in Yeovil, playing her saxophone in the run-up to Christmas, raising £120 for the National Autistic Society.

Elizabeth was nominated by her mum, Elizabeth, who said: “Living with an autistic sibling is very difficult and she always helps me and my husband when there are difficult situations involving her brother.

“She knows how he ‘ticks’ and is a very mature young lady.”

Jason Douglas Inchley

Somerset County Gazette:

TAMSIN Curnow with Jason Inchley. 

JASON Douglas Inchley was born with cerebral palsy but despite the challenges that has thrown at him he always remains cheerful and never complains.

He had an operation to create insteps involving breaking both ankles, before inserting bone taken from his hip.

As he grew he needed to have Botox injections into his leg muscles to help him to walk and develop properly.

He was not expected to succeed academically but he went on to gain eight GCSEs.

He now attends Bridgwater College working towards Level 2 Horse Care Diploma.

He has been riding since the age of seven and aspires to compete in the RDA National Championships, training with North Cornwall Group, who provide a horse and trainer suitable to take up his challenge.

Jason has had three major heart operations for aortic valve replacement and in 2014 the replacement valve was metal, meaning he will be taking Warfarin for life.

As a Scout, he has never let cerebral palsy get in the way of him doing things and has completed walking, cycling, camping, orienteering and climbing challenges.

He is an altar server at the Good Shepherd Church in Chard and has graduated to MC – responsible for mass ceremonials.

Chloe Rose Green

Somerset County Gazette:

TIM Duffen with Chloe Rose Green. 

NOT often do you have the opportunity to see a person truly flourish, thrive and grow the way Chloe Rose Green has done in the past three years.

Chloe, 19, arrived at Yeovil College from a pupil-referral unit and many doubted that she would stick at her course.

But her tutor, Anna Hill, said: “She has absolutely smashed every target and pre-conceived idea of what she was capable of. Chloe intends to start university this year and I have no doubt she will.”

There were times when Chloe had so much work outstanding that many doubted her future.

But she was not going to give up that easily and, once the changes began, Chloe not only stayed afloat but began to greatly impress.

Chloe has completed Level 2 and 3 qualifications, additional certificates, has achieved GCSEs, completed three years of placements, fundraised, been tutor rep, student ambassador, campaigned for lesbian and gay awareness, and is now volunteering as a teaching assistant with lower level learners.

Anna added: “But there is much more than this. It is the personal battles that Chloe has fought and won; difficult home circumstances, finances, family, health, and emotional wellbeing.

“But nothing will stop her succeeding. She is one of the most inspirational people I have ever met.”

Danny Elliott

Somerset County Gazette:

DANNY and Ani Elliott.

DANNY Elliott might have made some poor choices in his past, but he has developed into a sensible young man, putting others before himself.

Danny, a cadet from Taunton, has taken on an increasing mentor role, supporting younger cadets and helping them to achieve by offering advice and boosting their morale.

The 17-year-old has taken part in the Cosford and Nijmengen marches for the past three years and leads by example.

He is always well turned out, taking time with his uniform and appearance, setting a good example to younger members of the group.

Danny always puts himself out to support the charity work of the cadets, from taking part in bag filling for Help for Heroes to waiting on tables for the Army Benevolent Funds curry dinner.

His nominator Glyn Lacey said: “When I first came across Danny he was often in conflict with his mother and home and was already starting to make some poor choices.

“The person that Danny has become has impressed me the most, he is kind, patient, trustworthy and a loyal credit to himself, his family and our organisation.

Amy Frounks

AMAZING Amy had been wheelchair bound for three years, but after three months of hard work, managed to walk again.

Chronic pain had left 17-year-old Amy unable to bear weight on her left leg, meaning she relied on crutches or a wheelchair.

In December 2011, Amy then developed functional paralysis in her right leg, leaving her completely dependent on a wheelchair.

But Amy never let this stop her and passed her GCSE’s with flying colours and taking part in kayaking and wheelchair tennis.

Amy, from Taunton, also advises the government on transition from paediatric to adult services. Last Summer, she had a relapse and had to stay in hospital until Christmas 2014.

But having worked hard whilst being an inpatient and since her discharge, in just three months she has gone from being completely wheelchair bound to walking short distances without crutches.

Her right leg is no longer paralysed either. Helen Stanley, clinical lead paediatric physiotherapist at Parkgate House, nominated Amy.

She said: “She always works incredibly hard in physiotherapy but also with her education,and despite being in hospital for nearly five months, she tries ton never let her physical condition get in the way of having a fun life.”

Will Parry

Somerset County Gazette:

TIM Duffen with William Parry. 

WILL Parry might be wheelchair-bound and partially sighted but he’s never let anything get in his way of achieving all he can.

The 17-year-old was born prematurely-early at 23 weeks, surviving a poor prognosis, but he was left with three major longterm conditions – hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy and visual impairment.

Will, from Shepton Mallet, has had over 20 neurological procedures since he was born, suffering considerable discomfort and pain along the way, and his cerebral palsy means he is wheelchair-bound.

But, despite this, Will has an exceptional spirit, determination and an unfailing good humour and last year heralded some landmark achievements.

He managed to achieve four GCSEs, despite his moderate learning difficulties, and he gained a silver medal in his Ten Tors Jubilee Challenge – self-propelling his wheelchair and riding a tricycle despite a pressure sore.

Will also volunteered at Somerset YMCA’s holiday scheme for young people and won the Outstanding Sports Award from his school for all his sporting achievements.

He was nominated by Elizabethn Parry, who said: “He demonstrates real empathy for friends and family, particularly his father, who has a chronic heart condition.

“He has exceptional spirit, determination, empathy for others and unfailing good humour.”

Lily Kitto

Somerset County Gazette:

TIM Duffen with Lily Kitto.

YEOVIL College has said it is hugely proud of 17-year-old student Lily Kitto for her hard work, determination to succeed and sporting achievement – all of which have been gained despite setbacks including serious injury.

As well as being a student at Yeovil where she is completing a BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport, Lily is a talented hockey player.

She was recently selected for the British Under-19s hockey team as a result of a large amount of training and hard work.

But college lecturer, Emma Ballard, said: “The journey was not easy, however, as Lily suffered torn ligaments in her hip last year leaving us all very disappointed that she couldn’t compete for a place in the national side.

“After three months of treatment and recovery, however, she was even more determined to succeed.”

Emma added: “Lily is an asset to the college, helps out other teams if they are in need of players, supports her peers and is helpful to members of staff.”

Lily is also a junior national young coach and an ambassador for England Hockey.

“She shows great commitment to her sport and encourages others to get involved, again something which makes us very proud of her,” said Emma.

Libby Checketts

NOTHING is too much for Libby Checketts, from Taunton.

The 15-year-old is a young leader for the North Taunton Cub Pack and turns up every Tuesday evening to help run the group of 25 cubs.

She also helps with the programme planning and gives up her free time to tidy and clean the hut, which none of the adult leaders have time to do.

Libby also works to help St Andrew’s Church build up their youth group and helps to ensure it is run smoothly.

This is all on top of studying hard for her GCSEs and also playing in her school’s band.

Lorraine Warren, who nominated Libby, said: “Libby is an example of what every teenage girl should be like – committed, selfless and thoughtful, she is a credit to her parents and us in the scouting movement.”

Jason Hathway

Somerset County Gazette:

JASON Hathway with Chief Superintendant Damion Tilley. 

JASON Hathway has had many difficulties in life, especially after being diagnosed with chronic fatigue (M.E.) and chronic pain syndrome in 2010.

Since moving to Somerset in 2004, he excelled in all sports at disability level, and was selected to play football for Somerset F.A. Centre of Excellence and the Somerset F.A.

Development Squad. But pain meant he could no longer play and he was totally signed off school in 2012, missing all of his exams.

Although he started at Bridgwater College that same year, he was constantly in hospital because he had passed out from chronic chest pain and spent most of his time in bed due to being so weak.

But after being recommended treatment by a specialist in London in 2013, Jason hasn’t looked back. He has got his college attendance up to 90% and is now playing for Bridgwater College.

Jason has been honoured for all of his hard work by being chosen to represent the South West region at the Association of College Sport National Championships later this month.

Jason’s chronic pain has gone but he still has M.E. meaning he often sleeps as soon as he is home from college, leaving little time for a social life other than his football.

His foster mum Jackie Colson, who nominated him for an award, said: “I am extremely proud of Jason’s commitment to fully recover.

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