Leeds Law Firm Sponsors Inspirational Awards
Courageous children and young adults from across Yorkshire have been honoured for their bravery at an inspiring awards ceremony which also raised thousands of pounds for charities in the region.The Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards was held on Friday 10th October at New Dock Hall in Leeds to champion youngsters who have been brave and inspiring in the face of adversity shown their dedication to caring for family members or excelled in a sport.
Among the inspiring winners was Nathan Popple, 16, from Leeds, who was rewarded with the Special Recognition Award in the 13-18 age category at the event.
Nathan suffered catastrophic brain damage as a result of a delay in delivery. He developed cerebral palsy and severe disabilities which severely affect his mobility and speech and he now has to use a wheelchair and is fed by a gastronomy tube.
Fortunately the injury did not damage his intelligence. Nathan has been committed to his education and with the support of his family, carers, communication aids, therapeutic support and equipment he hopes to go to university in the future.
Irwin Mitchell’s expert medical negligence team secured him a £5.5 million settlement which will provide Nathan with the care, equipment and rehabilitation he needs for the rest of his life. The settlement funds are now carefully managed by Irwin Mitchell’s specialist Court of Protection team.
Nathan set out his mission to make Leeds more accessible to wheelchair users by setting up a website rating how wheelchair friendly places are in the city.
Nathan’s parents Beryl Sanderson and Sarah Camody from Adel, said: "Beryl and I are extremely proud of Nathan for winning this award. It is a tribute to his continued fight for equality and fairness in society. Over the last few years we have helped and watched Nathan grow into an exceptional young man who refuses to be deterred from anything he sets his mind too. Thank you to Irwin Mitchell for the continued support and encouragement they give to us and Nathan."Expert Opinion
The Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards truly are an inspiration and a great way of honouring youngsters who have battled serious injuries or illnesses or who have shown their dedication to raising money for charity and caring for their loves ones.
βAt Irwin Mitchell we meet a lot of children like Nathan who have suffered serious injuries but show tremendous strength in their recovery and rehabilitation. The awards night is a great opportunity to share our admiration for how brave the children are. This year we were delighted to sponsor the Outstanding Bravery Award 0-12 years.β
Joanne Fraser - Partner
The full list of winners can be found at www.yorkshirechildren.co.uk.