Nominations For The Awards Close On July 27th

There are two weeks left to nominate a child for this year’s Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards, organised by St. James’s Place Foundation.

The awards were launched at a party at Weetwood Hall in May, where the charity’s supporters, sponsors and previous winners gathered together to celebrate the good work the charity does.

Beginning in 2011, the awards have grown year upon year to have been attended by over 750 people, mark and celebrate the region’s bravest and most courageous children and young adults.

Amongst the sponsors in attendance was national law firm, Irwin Mitchell which is based in Leeds at 2 Wellington Place. 

The law firm, supporting the awards for the fifth year in a row, is the sponsor of the ‘Outstanding Bravery’ award, open to 0-12 year olds. The award is in recognition of a child/person who has overcome extreme adversity in their own life or the life of someone close to them.

Joanne Fraser, a Partner and Court of Protection lawyer at Irwin Mitchell’s Leeds office, said:  

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“The Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards are truly an inspiration to many and a fantastic way of honouring brave youngsters who have battled serious injuries, illnesses, or shown tremendous dedication to raising money for loved ones and charity.

“At Irwin Mitchell we are honoured to support these awards and share our admiration for the incredibly brave children who are recognised, and that is why we are delighted to sponsor the Outstanding Bravery award.” Joanne Fraser - Partner

The firm’s involvement with the awards isn’t exclusively through sponsorship. Some of the firm’s young clients have been recognised at these awards for their bravery and courage, including Charlie Senior.

Charlie, from Huddersfield, was only 10 when he was rewarded with the Special Recognition Award for 0-12 year olds at the awards last year.

Charlie was rushed to hospital when only a few months old and was diagnosed with a severe brain injury. Since then, Charlie has also been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, severe learning difficulties and is registered blind.

Unable to talk or walk, Charlie, who is the youngest of three siblings, has spent his young life undergoing treatment and therapies, he also requires 24 care and support from his family. However with this support from his family, and medical staff, Charlie has been surpassed expectations in his development.

Despite being told he would not be able to, Charlie has learnt to walk unaided, albeit with close supervision and, more impressively, he has gone from being unable to speak to being able to count to ten in English, German and Spanish.

The Court of Protection team at Irwin Mitchell in Leeds have represented Charlie for six years after being initially instructed by his mother, Joanne Senior. Irwin Mitchell manages a Trust for Charlie and the team have assisted the family in ensuring Charlie receives the right therapeutic support. 

The team have further helped organise the adaptations to the family home to make sure it is suitable for Charlie to live in and meet his ongoing needs.

The eighth Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards will be held on 12 October at New Dock Hall, Leeds, and will be compered by BBC Breakfast Journalist, Steph McGovern. Nominations close Tuesday, 24th July.

You can nominate here.