10 year old Ashley Palipana from Grays received British Citizen Youth Award at the inaugural awards honouring young people who have positively impacted society, communities, charities or other good causes at the Palace of Westminster. Ashley is a year 5 student at Belmont Castle Academy and wishes to be a neurosurgeon when he grows up. He raises funds for the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity by selling his canvas artwork. Ashely is a proud scout with the Thameside Scouts and takes part at the Little Thurrock St John’s Ambulance youth program.
The medal presentation ceremony, which is in association with Specsavers, cast a light on some of the nation’s brightest stars of the future. Twenty youngstersfrom across the country were honoured, with each having their own unique and inspiring story. Kimberly Wyatt of the Pussycat Dolls presented the awards. y , whose band has sold over 55 million records worldwide.
Dame Mary Perkins, co-founder of Specsavers, says: ‘The society we live in tomorrow will be shaped by the children of today, which is why championing amazing young role models is so very important. ‘The young people that become the recipients of the first British Citizen Youth Awards will, I am sure, inspire other youngsters to emulate their good work and embody the spirit of transparency, integrity, determination and achievement that define these awards.’
Photo from www.yourthurrock.com