Surrey’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner has congratulated some of the county’s most inspirational young people following an awards ceremony last week.
Ellie Vesey-Thompson paid tribute to the winners of the Elmbridge Young Persons Awards after handing out certificates at the event on Friday night.
A total of 18 children and teens were celebrated at the popular show, which took place in person for the first time since the pandemic began. The awards were funded in part by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey.
Young people were nominated across five categories: citizenship, personal adversity, young carers, role models and bravery.
Among the winners were Libby Jones, who suffers with severe epilepsy and almost lost her life to sepsis after a string of brain surgeries, and Daniel Ivanov, who organised a series of events to raise £20,000 for victims of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
One of the young winners, Teddy Read, sadly died with a pre-existing health condition in the days before the ceremony. He had been honoured by Claygate Youth and Community Hub for his “loyalty, honesty, integrity and humanity”.
Ellie, who is responsible for leading the Commissioner’s focus on the safety of children and young people in Surrey, said: “Everyone who was nominated for an award should be incredibly proud of themselves.
“I’d also like to congratulate the mums, dads, grandparents, carers, teachers and youth workers involved too.
“In my role as Deputy Commissioner, I spend a lot of my time with young people across Surrey. A lot of what we hear about young people is negative, but every day, I’m blown away by the selflessness, strength and achievements of the teenagers who live here.
“On Friday, I heard some truly moving stories from young people who have overcome extreme difficulties to succeed. They are an example to all of us.
“These awards celebrate hope in the face of adversity. It was my pleasure to be a part of the evening.”
PC Phil Jebb from the Elmbridge Borough Community Safety Team co-organised the awards.
He said: “These young people have demonstrated resilience and courage over the course of a very challenging two-and-a-half years.
“In the face of their own fears and hardships, they have reached out to comfort and support others, while setting a positive example and also being great role models. They and their families should be very proud of what they’ve achieved.
“It’s fantastic to be back and I’m thrilled for all the winners.”
Winners:
Miles Nicholson. Category: Personal adversity. Nominated by Meredith Kendall and Sue Dickenson, Grovelands School
Louis Patridge-Adair. Category: Personal adversity. Nominated by Sharon Morris-Motasher, Three Rivers Academy
Emilia Wall. Category: Citizenship. Nominated by Nick Elliott, North East Surrey Short Stay School
Teddy Read. Category: Personal adversity. Nominated by Katie Holmes, Claygate Hub
Joe Dickinson. Category: Role model. Nominated by PC Jebb, Surrey Police
Isabel Dolby. Category: Personal adversity. Nominated by Heidi Stone, Three Rivers Academy
Nicholas Granger. Category: Citizenship. Nominated by Nick Elliott, North East Surrey Short Stay School
Libby Jones. Category: Bravery. Nominated by Katie Holmes, Claygate Hub
Ewan Lascaris and Henry Hall. Category: Charity. Nominated by Kath Plummer, Esher High School
Daniel Ivanov. Category: Charity. Nomated by Mark Tachon, Heathside School
Scarlett Trigg. Category: Personal adversity. Nominated by Daphne Sohl, Grovelands School
George Farrell. Category: Personal adversity. Nominated by Jo Gale and Nikki Wheeler, Esher High School
Harry Spragg. Category: Personal adversity. Nominated by Heidi Stone, Three Rivers Academy
Luke Turner. Category: Role model. Nominated by PC Jebb, Surrey Police
George Dillon. Category: Personal adversity. Nominated by Jo Gale and Nikki Wheeler, Esher High School
Isabel Holloway. Category: Personal adversity. Nominated by Heidi Stone, Three Rivers Academy
Michael Graham. Category: Citizenship. Nominated by PC Jebb, Surrey Police