Inspirational group take deserved bow

From the archive, first published Friday 10th Feb 2006.

Battling youngsters have been rewarded for their hard work and diligence at a glittering awards ceremony.

Last night's event marked the 10th anniversary of Careers Bradford by handing out gongs to some of the district's special young people.

Among the winners was a 15-year-old who spends his weekends mentoring younger children and a boy with cystic fibrosis who raises money to help other sufferers.

Entertaining the audience before the start of the event was Dynamo, who is the country's hottest young urban magician. The former Wyke Manor School pupil amazed the audience with the card tricks that have dazzled the likes of Will Smith, Jools Holland, and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Harrison Smith, 12, collected the award for a young person who has achieved despite a personal battle. He attends Dixon's City Academy, and despite suffering from cystic fibrosis and needing oxygen, he takes an active part in school life.

He said: "I am determined, I get help from the school nurse and my best friend Mason Gurney helps me carry my oxygen and my school books."

Harrison said it was brilliant to get the award and mum Joanne McQuillan said he was a real credit: "He doesn't realise he is any different, he just gets on with it."

Another winner was 15-year-old Nathan Appleby who is doing his GCSEs at Rhodesway School. He won the award in the youth involvement section.

Nathan spends each Saturday morning helping younger children with their homework at Café West in Wanstead Crescent, Allerton. He is also a community DJ and helps with discos for Barnado's. "I just like helping people. I want to be a police officer where you need life skills so it's really good to help," he said.

Adal Ismal, 17, who is a student at Carlton-Bolling College was honoured for his cricketing achievements. Adal is studying A-levels and is also hoping to be signed up by a county cricket club.

Adal, who plays for Manningham Mills, said he was really pleased to win the award for a young person who has excelled in education, sport, creative arts or performance.

"I really want to make a career of it, it's been my dream since I was a kid," he said.

Jane Campbell, operations director at Careers Bradford, said: "Careers Bradford is delighted to celebrate its 10th anniversary by honouring such an inspirational group of winners from the region.

"They are a remarkable group of individuals, groups and organisations, each different and from diverse backgrounds, but all thoroughly deserving of this recognition."

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