A teenager from Kirkby Malzeard has been recognised for his commitment to family and his community at the 31st Yorkshire Young Achievers Awards.
16-year-old William Renton was named Unsung Hero at the ceremony, held last night (Thursday) at Leeds United’s Centenary Pavilion.
The awards, sponsored by McCormicks Solicitors, brought together an audience of 400 to celebrate the achievements of young people from across the region.
William received the title, sponsored by Jamboree Entertainment, for the dedication he shows in caring for his younger sister, who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
Alongside his caring responsibilities, he achieved excellent GCSE results this summer and remains heavily involved in school life, supporting his sister when needed and accompanying her during hospital stays - experiences that have strengthened his ambition to pursue a career in medicine.
Despite a demanding home life, William also finds time to develop his many interests. He is a multi-instrumentalist who has won awards at Harrogate Music Festival and plays piano, percussion, guitar, French horn and bass.
He is working towards his gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, volunteers as a young leader with his local Scout group, helps at a birds of prey centre, referees wheelchair football matches and works as a village milkman six days a week.
The Chairman of the Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation and the Awards, Peter McCormick OBE, said:
“It is always heart warming to hear about how Yorkshire’s young people continue to shine and overcome challenges and tonight was no exception.
“This recognition for their achievements would not be possible without the support of our sponsors and our guests, and I am very proud that with their help, not only can we reward these young people but we can continue our grants programme which helps other young people across Yorkshire to reach their full potential.”
William was one of several North Yorkshire-linked winners on the night.
Artist James Owen Thomas, 24, who grew up in Pateley Bridge, won the Achievement in Management and Enterprise Award for his distinctive sustainable artworks made from recycled materials.
Meanwhile, Leeds United legend Eddie Gray, who lives near Harrogate, received the Martin Gerrard Award for his long-term support of the Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation.
Other winners included Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu, named Personality of the Year; actress Matilda Firth, 10, who won Youngster of the Year; Cambridge-based researcher Robert Ives for Achievement in Education; England rugby star Ellie Kildunne for Achievement in Sport; and Leeds seamstress Eleanor Shenderey for Achievement in the Arts.
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