News-Young people recognised for contribution in the face of adversity

Continued positivity

Jay Jenkins

Twelve-year-old Jay Jenkins received an Outstanding award at the County Durham Youth Awards, hosted by our Youth Council.

Jay, who was born deaf and registered as sight-impaired at the age of four, has dealt with varying health conditions throughout his life, including type 1 diabetes.

He was recently diagnosed with Wolfram-Like Syndrome, a rare condition which links hearing, sight loss and diabetes, as well as Sweet Syndrome, a very rare inflammatory skin condition.

Despite the challenges he has faced, Jay was nominated by his peers for a County Durham Youth Award for his continued positivity in school; always catching up on any work he missed due to health appointments, taking part in fundraisers, and going out of his way to make people smile and feel included.

Judges decided to present Jay with the Anne Jackson Award, an additional accolade created in memory of Anne Jackson, a supporter of the Youth Council, which recognises people who show a special commitment to others.

County Durham Youth Awards

The County Durham Youth awards, now in its fourth year, celebrates the achievements of young people and youth advocates across the county.

Put forward by their peers, teachers, parents, and members of the community, nominees were awarded in six categories: Junior Superstar, Youth Champion, Group, Sportsperson, Role Model, and Outstanding.

Bereavement boxes

Leia Easby

Over 40 honours were handed out, including to 14-year-old Leia Easby who was given an Outstanding award for her work to support children who have lost a family member.

Following the death of her 11-year-old brother, Leia felt disheartened when her parents received a box of items in his memory, but nothing was given to her.

To help other young people with the process of losing a loved one, Leia has been creating boxes to give to children which contain items to help them deal with bereavement.

Fundraising for heart unit

Imogen Rhodes received a Junior Superstar award for showing resilience and determination in school while dealing with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, a complex heart condition.

At just seven years old, Imogen recently had her third heart surgery but has not let it stop her from keeping up with her peers, including in PE, and fundraising for the Children's Heart Unit Fund.

Imogen Rhodes

Cllr Ted Henderson, Durham County Council's Cabinet member for children and young people's services, said: "I would like to give my congratulations to all the winners and nominees at this year's County Durham Youth Awards.

"These are just some of the amazing stories from our fantastic entrants, many of whom have gone above of beyond to make a positive difference to others despite facing some significant and personal challenges."

Swim for families in Kenya

Beatrice Morrell was also awarded Junior Superstar for her efforts to raise money for Muhoroni People's Foundation which helps families in Kenya have access to healthcare and facilities.

The 11-year-old swam 13 kilometres in 13 days, despite dealing with repeated infections and pneumonia a few months earlier, raising £800 for the foundation.

Beatrice Morrell