Caring youngsters earn de served nominations for Citizen o f the Year

The judges will certainly have their work cut out for them, trying to select just two winners from the fantastic line-up presented to them this year. Competition organisers the Brakes Trust are set to meet soon to agree a shortlist of nominees ahead of the awards event on March 30.

Warwickshire County Councillor Izzi Seccombe has personally endorsed four young carers for the junior title after their names were put forward by the Young Carers’ Project.

Cllr Seccombe, who is responsible for adult and communtiy services said: “These children play a vital role not only in their own families but in society as a whole. Despite their hard work and the sacrifices they make each day, these selfless young people take their own role for granted because they do it out of love.”

Ten-year-old George Oxley, who lives in Leamington, is a huge help to his brother, who has a number of disabilities. The youngster who draws some amazingly complex pictures for his school homework doesn’t see the time he devotes to caring as a drain on his resources - he truly understands the value of being supportive and just gets on with it.

Then there’s Leah Brassington, aged 11, who is bursting with upbeat energy and always has a smile on her face. Leah, who lives in Kenilworth, is always among the first to welcome newcomers to the Young Carers’ Project because she’s understood from a very early age that being there for someone and putting their needs first is part of life.

The schoolgirl has a brother with special needs and the warm, unselfish way in which she discusses way these, is a story that should be heard.

Warwick teenager Calum Tombs has had an amazing year. First he achieved his Duke of Edinburgh bronze award and then he also completed an ‘Insight’ course with the Royal Engineers before passing an Emergency First Aid test and gaining a platinum award for scouting.

The 16-year-old has also long supported a brother with disabilities. Others find him an inspiration in the way he takes everything in his stride.

Ashleigh Hunter, aged 17, from Cubbington has promoted Young Carers’ issues for the past six years as she has grown up helping to look after her disabled sister.

Her pride and passion in her support is staggering - Ashleigh always understands the sacrifice and unselfishness that comes with supporting and sharing her life with her much loved sister - her “ray of sunshine” attitude inspires others to understand that disabilities are nothing to be ashamed of.

Finally, there’s Warwick School pupil Alex Luciano, a 15-year-old whose work is described as exemplary by deputy head Gus Lock.

Alex is one of a group of boys who founded the Lower School Charity Committee and was then selected to lead it.

Mr Lock said: “Alex’s work on a charitable magazine of creative writing involved getting sponsorship from local companies to allow the publication to be free to produce.

“He worked closely with the representative of local charity CORD to help publicise an evening associated with the project and raised over £2,000. He is now in the process of helping to do the same for the NSPCC.”

Alex has influenced younger boys in the school and is also organising cake sales, football tournaments and a Mario Kart challenge in aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Before Easter he also plans a sponsored silence and in the summer term plans a sponsored world-record breaking crack at having the most paper aeroplanes thrown from a building within 30 seconds.

On the adult side of the fence the judges will be examining a request by Margaret Godfrey to consider Miriam Witcomb, a retired nursing sister from Helen Ley House who simply refuses to sit back and relax.

Mrs Whitcomb, aged 71, lives in Leamington and amongst her many activities is calling the bingo at Acorn Court residential home, being an escort at Warwick Hospital, a member of the League of Friends at the Rehabilitation Hospital, fundraising with the local Oddfellows and taking people shopping - or simply shopping on behalf of others.

As Mrs Godfrey says: “Miriam never stops - there aren’t enough hours in the day for her.”

Also nominated is Lillington Nursery and Primary School caretaker Ted Ripley, who has been nominated by acting headteacher Paul Milner.

Ted, who is described by Mr Milner as a “rock” will be greatly missed.

Mr Milner said: “Nothing is too much trouble for Ted when it comes to supporting this school and nursery. He gives so much of his own time and not only knows all the children and their parents he also knows lots of ex-pupils who he helps to keep ‘in-line’ when they come to visit unannounced.”

More of those nominated will be featured in tomorrow’s Courier (Friday March 16).