Meet the winners of this year’s Ykids Believe Awards

21 of Merseyside’s young heroes were celebrated this week at a Steampunk themed gala dinner at Liverpool’s prestigious Titanic Hotel.

The Believe Awards were set up by local charity Ykids to address the common poor conception of young people in our region by highlighting young hidden heroes whose selflessness and courage are an example to us all. 

Claire Morgans, CEO of Ykids, said:

“So many young people are selflessly serving their communities and we want them to know they are seen and valued, and Merseyside has many amazing young people to be proud of.”

This year the event, themed History Makers, highlighted historical Liverpool figures who made our region great and the young people today who are following in their footsteps. 

Winners included Alfie Fitzsimmons who formed Alfie’s Squad, a support group for young people who have lost a parent to suicide after losing his own dad at the age of 8 and finding there was nothing out there for young people like him, and Vin Stokes who set up his own charity – ‘Feed the Need’ to support people in St Helens living in food poverty.

The event was supported by local businesses including pladis, locally known as Jacobs who were headline sponsor

‘It has been a privilege to work with Ykids and to sponsor the awards again this year’ said Liz Kinsley General Manager of the pladis Aintree site. ‘The young people we recognised are truly inspirational’.

In addition to a 3 course meal and entertainment from ‘SingMe Merseyside and Aerialist ‘Roxy’ from Masquerade Mirrors, a group of Steam Punk enthusiasts dressed for the occasion and brought with them a Time Travelling Flying Trike, Steam punk Go Cart and futuristic robot.

Over 250 guests attended and many were overwhelmed with the moving stories and heroic actions of the young people. 

Full list of winners:

• Adam McNally age 14 – The Joseph Williamson Award – helping others to feel valued – for his support of his sister through difficult times and his work with Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. 
• Alfie Fitzsimmons age 15 – The Josephine Butler Award for making life better for other people for setting up ‘Alfie’s Squad’ to support young people bereaved by suicide after the loss of his own father. Sponsored by VINCI Building UK
• Bella Hurst – age 11 – The Kitty Wilkinson Award for caring for others – for her continual care for her twin sister, her selfless care for others in schools, her support of her family despite personal tragedy. Sponsored by Community Foundation for Lancashire & Merseyside / Liverpool ONE Foundation
• Francesca Heaton age 11– The Edward Rushton Award for making a difference, even if its unpopular -for looking after others, and going out of her way to make life better for children in her school and community. Sponsored by Peel Ports
• Jasmin Musa age 12 – The Eleanor Rathbone Award for a young person who speaks out to make a difference. Jasmin recently lost her twin sister to a brain tumour, has been tirelessly working to raise funds for Claire House and help others who have been through similar experiences.  Sponsored by Warwick North West
• Joel Singh age 10  – the Noel Chavasse Award for selflessness. Joel helps with the care of his brother with needs and during an emergency it was Joel who saved his life.
• Lewis Wright age 13 – the Roscoe and Horrocks Award for inspiring others to learn – for his work with Alder Hey hospital to develop a better experience for children with sensory needs. Sponsored by Angel Solutions
• Michael Smart – age 9 – The Father Nugent Award for championing the overlooked. After losing both his dad and Uncle to cancer, Michael has been working to raise funds and awareness for Woodlands Hospice. Sponsored by Nugent
• The Hive Ambassadors age 13-19 yrs – The Duncan, Newlands and Fresh Award for a group of young people who have made a difference to the health and wellbeing of others. The Hive Ambassadors have worked tirelessly to improve the offer for young people and ensure young people’s voice is heard. Sponsored by Mann Roberts Solicitors
• Vin Stokes age 16 – The Frank Hornby Award for making the world a better place to be – for setting up and running ‘Feed the Need’ and working towards ending food poverty stigma. Sponsored by Cockbain and Associates

“We are hugely thankful to our sponsors,’ said Claire Morgans CEO of Ykids, “including pladis Global, VINCI Building UK, Angel Solutions, Mann Roberts Solicitors, Delta Taxis, Nugent, Duke Street Food & Drink Market, Community Foundation for Lancashire & Merseyside, Liverpool ONE Foundation, Wild Thang, Peel Ports Group and Warwick North West, without them this event could not have been possible.”

Ykids is a charity which has been working across Merseyside for over 20 years, supporting children and young people in some of the UK’s most deprived communities, bringing hope and transformation through multiple projects, clubs, mentoring, community events and family support.

Ykids believe that children can be ‘World Changers’ and encourage them to become the best that they can be, develop emotional resilience and reach their full potential.

For more on Ykids and the Believe Awards click here.

For the latest news in Liverpool click here.