Young heroes honoured (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Young heroes honoured

9:40am Saturday 1st March 2008 in

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A Bradford woman who spent her life in care separated from her family, including her twin sister, has taken her experiences and is using them to give advice to teenagers in similar positions.

She was among the unsung young heroes of the Bradford district who collected Bradford Young Citizen Awards during an Oscars-style ceremony.

When Melanie Webster was put into care at an early age, it could have signalled the end of family life for her.

But she was made of sterner stuff than that. She was determined not to allow the system to split up her and her twin sister Kat. She fought tooth and nail for her rights, and won.

Now, 23 years old and a mother of two herself, Melanie is putting her experience to good use - helping other young people who have been through the care system.

She set up the group a year ago and regularly mentors around 12 youngsters at any one time, who are being looked after or are about to leave a care home or foster family.

Her work with the Smooth It Out group she initiated in Shipley has earned Melanie the Economic Wellbeing Award at the Bradford Young Citizen Awards.

Melanie said: "Me and my sister Kat, we got split up in care and the determination that made me do the group was purely based on Kat.

"We were split up as children and eventually we got back together. But it's important that families don't get split up when they go into care, especially twins.

"They don't have to be split up, and it really does ruin their future."

Kat, who was also at the awards to see her sister honoured, said: "We only have each other really and I'm really proud of Melanie."

Melanie, who is now in the third year of a four-year foundation degree course in Introduction to Youth Work at the Open University, said: "It's nice to get recognition for the work I have done. We meet fortnightly and we give informal education on health, hygiene, advice about independence, about struggling on your own, benefits, sexual health, budgeting and, well, everything really."

"Sometimes we just sit and talk to the group. I suppose I can understand where they are coming from, as I have had similar experiences."

The awards ceremony, backed by the Telegraph & Argus, was held at Bradford's St George's Hall on Wednesday night.

The ten categories rewarded youngsters for their contributions to society at the second Young Citizen awards ceremony, organised by Bradford Council.

And this year the winners were picked from a record number of nominations from young people who go that extra mile.

Special guests on the evening included BBC Look North presenter Christa Ackroyd, a former Hanson School pupil, Bradford Bulls players Sam Burgess and Glenn Morrison, Bradford City footballers Tom Penford and Luke O'Brien, and boxer Femi Fehintola.

Christine Clavering, the Council partnership co-ordinator for services to children and young people, was co-ordinating the judging.

She said: "While we were presenting the awards one of the celebrities said it is so hard that only one of them has to win'.

"But we did try to emphasise that to be nominated was also a great achievement. It was extremely difficult to choose a winner.

"What they have achieved for other people was also a factor which came into those who won overall."

Asma Shaheen, organiser of the Awards, said: "It was a fantastic evening which celebrated the achievements of young people and children in Bradford.

"We had a staggering 165 nominations for the Young Citizen Awards and all of them were worthy of winning - the judges had a difficult time shortlisting and we thank them all for their hard work."

Miss Shaheen thanked the celebrities for giving up their time to present awards.

"There was also some excellent entertainment provided by a variety of artists, including many talented young people from across the Bradford district.

"It was a wonderful evening and everyone who took part should be proud - and once again we congratulate the children and young people of Bradford who are all stars in their own right."

The winners:

Sahira Khan - Enjoy and Achieve award, under 11s

The nine-year old, of West Bowling, has cerebral palsy and has been a pupil at Lister Lane Special School for about six years.

Headteach Louise Shinn said Sahira was nominated for the award for overcoming her physical challenges, to show enthusiasm and tenacity to make outstanding progress at school. She said: "Although Sahira doesn't have the ability to speak, she has an awful lot to say.

"She has learned through dedication and commitment how to scan a communication devise, by selecting a box on screen, and now she can actually communicate.

"We are exceptionally proud of her, as she has worked so hard. She is a very sociable lady and always gives 110 per cent."

Daniel Brown - Enjoy and Achieve award, 11 to 25s

The 18-year-old, from Dudley Hill, has made excellent progress despite having autism.

Mum Linda Watson, 45, said: "He's gone from a child with challenging behaviour to a level-headed young man.

"His concentration is one hundred per cent and his determination is amazing."

Mrs Watson said her son was diagnosed with autism from an early age and had problems with his behaviour. She said: "His behaviour was challenging and he was still unaware of his surroundings. It's hard to put into words, but he could not communicate, speak, read or write, and that didn't come till he was six or seven."

After passing his GCSEs Daniel is now attending Bradford College, where he is studying A-levels including maths, chemistry and physics. Now, Daniel is aiming to be a doctor.

Hanif Hussain - Be Healthy Award, under 11s

After the awards, the promising nine-year-old footballer said: "I'm really delighted and want to go on to play for England."

Hanif, who was also nominated for a British Asian Sports Award last year, trains every Wednesday for the West Yorkshire Association Football League, as well as with Campion Football Club, of Heaton, on Saturdays and on Sundays with Campion.

Hanif's dad, Khalil Hussain, said he was extremely proud of what his son had achieved so far. He said:"He's a very active young man and its recognition of what he puts in."

Jack Winterburn - Be Healthy award, 11 to 25s

It was for his outstanding rugby performances, despite suffering from asthma.

The 12-year-old is captain of his school team, at Ermysteds Grammar School in Skipton, and also captains Queensbury Junior Amateur Rugby League Club.

Mum Vicky, 33, of Utley, near Keighley, said: "He had asthma ever since he was a baby and had been in and out of hospital with it. But over the years, by doing his exercise it has got better. The doctor has always said keep going. Each time he plays it extends his lungs."

Mrs Winterburn said her son was even chosen to play for the Bradford Area Team.

She said: "He's gone from being really poorly with his asthma to being man of the match."

Jack wants to go on to become a professional rugby player.

Samuel Hartley - Positive Contribution award, 11 to 25s

The nine-year-old, who lives in Burley-in-Wharfedale, goes to Lister Lane Special School and has learned to drive an electric-drive powered chair, which has given him lots of independence.

Headteacher Louise Shinn said: "He is a friendly, social young man. The incident which prompted me to nominate him, was when his friend was distressed during assembly.

"Sam spotted this, and wheeled his chair round to him, and put his arm round him.

"He really cares about friends and looks after others.

"The whole school is proud of Sam."

Fabian Measures - Positive Contribution Award, 11 to 25s

The 18-year-old, of Shelf, has been helping out at youth club for about four years, where he gives help, advice and support to teenagers.

The Bradford College student, who is studying music technology, said: "I peer-lead at E-merge' every other Friday and run E-treme' a youth focused Christian workshop.

"I love it. I love to help and I like being surrounded by people and I feel that because I am a bit close to their age I can relate to them more. I'm quite shocked but thrilled to have won."

Huma Majeed - Safety First Award, under 11s

The road-safety-aware 11-year-old, of Barkerend, has been the junior road safety officer at Killinghall Primary School for the last three years.

Learning mentor Dominic Sheard said: "Huma has organised fundraising, arranged meetings, handed out leaflets to stop parents parking outside and taught other children about road safety.

"She has had a huge impact on the school and you know you can trust her to do a good job.

"The school think it's absolutely fantastic as she really does deserve, the award."

Rachael O'Driscol - Safety First Award, 11 to 25s

She has cerebral palsy and was nominated for putting her own problems to one side and helping other people with disabilities.

The 24-year-old, of Keighley, works for Safety First and Barnardos.

She said: "The main reason I was nominated was because I worked on the Barnardos empowerment project and I helped them to produce a DVD for anti-bullying.

"It is great to be nominated and I was overjoyed to receive the awards."

Group Award and Outstanding Achievement Award - Bradford Campaigners against Child Poverty in the UK

Piers Telemacque, 15, Katie Rawnsley, 14, and Amanda Garoes-Hill, 14, who attend Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College have, since April 2007, attended workshops to learn more about child poverty and ways to tackle it.

Youth worker Richard Dunbar, who nominated the group, said their commitment to help ending child poverty both regionally and nationally has been nothing short of superb.

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