Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation - Grants Awarded

YORKSHIRE YOUNG ACHIEVERS GRANT FOR ADVERSITY UNITED

7/8/2018

A grant from the Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation will help young people with physical and mental disabilities continue to develop their football skills.

The grant has been made to Adversity United, a club established by 17-year-old Harrogate man Cameron Osburn to promote football for disabled youngsters.

Cameron, who has cerebral palsy, plays for the North East CP team and is aiming for the national team.

He established Adversity United in Harrogate last year to provide playing and training opportunities for primary school children to allow them to build their self confidence ready for the step into secondary education. He leads coaching sessions every week.
The grant will go towards funding additional training and coaching skills.

Cameron left Harrogate Grammar School this year and is aiming for a career in sports coaching. He said: “This grant will enable us to reach even more children as well as improving our skills in coaching them.”

Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation Trustee Sonia Jones said: “The Foundation aims to help young people across Yorkshire be the best they possibly can so Adversity United is exactly the type of project that we want to support.”

Adversity United has also been supported by Harrogate Town FC, which had provided kit and training opportunities, working alongside Cameron. Managing Director Garry Plant said the club was delighted to support more opportunities for disabled youngsters, not only in football but in sport as a whole.

To apply for a grant, simply visit http://www.yorkshireyoungachievers.co.uk/how-to-apply.html

The main fundraiser for the Foundation is the Yorkshire Young Achievers Awards. The 26th Awards take place on Thursday 8 November at the Leeds United Centenary Pavilion. They are open to anyone who was born, lives or works in Yorkshire and is under 35. To nominate a winner, simply visit the website at http://www.yorkshireyoungachievers.co.uk/nominations.html

YORKSHIRE YOUNG ACHIEVERS FOUNDATION CUES AIMEE FOR SUCCESS

22/5/2018

A promising young snooker player has been given a grant by the Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation.

Fifteen-year-old Aimee Benn, of Burley-in-Wharfedale, began playing thanks to a free ten-week course in the game which was being offered in Menston by the Paul Hunter Foundation. Paul won the Masters Championship three times before losing his battle with cancer in 2006, when he was posthumously awarded the Personality of the Year title at the Yorkshire Young Achievers Awards.

Aimee took to the sport immediately and three years on is playing in tournaments across the UK and abroad, as well as helping younger members of her club with their coaching, and is now ranked ninth in the world after just two seasons competing in the ladies’ open age tour.
She recently took part in the Ladies Festival of Snooker in Leeds, improving on her last performance, and in August is hoping to be able to travel to Germany for the Paul Hunter Classic.

She received her grant towards coaching, registration and entry fees from Foundation Vice-chairman Richard Stroud who said: “It is always exciting to meet a young person with the determination and commitment to do well in whatever field they choose and we wish Aimee the best of luck for the future.”

The main fundraiser for the Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation is the annual Yorkshire Young Achievers Awards, sponsored by McCormicks Solicitors of Harrogate. Anyone who would like to apply for a grant can find full details at www.yorkshireyoungachievers.co.uk.

YORKSHIRE YOUNG ACHIEVERS FOUNDATION BOOST FOR YOUNG CARERS

1/3/2018

The Carers’ Resource Events and Fundraising Co-ordinator Anne Wells and Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation Trustee Sonia Jones spread the message that young carers need support

An after-school club for young carers in the Harrogate district has been given a boost with a grant from the Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation.

The UTime club is run by the Harrogate Young Carers for 11 to 18-year-olds whose lives are affected by having a parent or sibling with a physical or mental illness, a disability or an addiction to drugs or alcohol. UTime offers activities and sports and a meal to the youngsters while its staff are experienced in mentoring vulnerable young people, supporting them with their studies.

The grant will help the charity to fund the club which provides a safe, relaxing and fun environment for the youngsters after school, while giving staff an opportunity to offer additional support where needed.

The Carers’ Resource Events and Fundraising Co-ordinator Anne Wells said: “Sometimes we are the only people that these teenagers can turn to for advice and support. When their young lives are very hard, coming to one of our clubs, which are held fortnightly in term time, is one of the very few constant and reliable routines in their lives. It is a joy to see these children carefree for a couple of hours when we know what they face at home.”

Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation Trustee Sonia Jones said: “The Foundation exists to support young people across Yorkshire, whether in achieving their full potential or, as in this case, in improving life for them, so we are delighted to be helping such a useful service.”

YORKSHIRE YOUNG ACHIEVERS FOUNDATION GRANT HELPS FIVE-YEAR-OLD FELIX

15/8/2017

Playtime in the new standing frame for Felix

Felix in his new car seat with his big sisters, Kitty, left, and Amelie.

A grant for specialist equipment for a five-year-old Harrogate boy has helped make his life more comfortable.

Felix Williams has an undiagnosed life-limiting progressive neurological condition and is unable to sit or stand without help. He has had operations to free muscles and tendons in his hips and legs to enable them to bend.

His family applied to the Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation for help to buy him a specialist car seat and a standing frame which will not only help to mitigate his condition but also allow him to play with his friends at school.

The equipment was sourced by Foundation Vice-chairman Richard Stroud, who said: “Because we are a charity and because I have had a lifetime of negotiating with suppliers in business, we were able to reach an agreement to purchase both pieces of equipment and I am delighted to hear that they are already helping Felix!”

The family had previously had to use a standard car seat for Felix but because he is unable to sit independently he was leaning to one side and often cried in pain from his positioning. Each car journey meant he had to be repositioned every 15 minutes and it was becoming almost impossible to go out as a family.

His surgery was needed because the muscles in his legs had become so tight it was impossible for him to sit. His permanently extended position gave him muscle spasms which often resulted in a seizure. The surgery proved life-changing and Felix can now use a walker, which is vital to maintain the progress he has made.

Felix’s mum, Sarah, said: “The new equipment means the world to Felix and to us as a family. The car seat is fantastic. We are all so excited that we can travel Felix safely and comfortably for car journeys and we have already had a day out to Saltburn. It tilts his pelvis backwards meaning no more leg trembles that caused Felix so much pain.

“The standing frame should help to ensure that Felix doesn’t need any more medical procedures on his legs which is fantastic and it is so lovely to see him being able to stand with both hands free to play!”
The Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation supports young people across the region, with recipients ranging from children like Felix to aspiring sports stars and education projects. To apply for a grant, simply visit http://www.yorkshireyoungachievers.co.uk/how-to-apply.html

The main fundraiser for the Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation is the annual Yorkshire Young Achievers Awards which this year take place on Thursday 23 November, marking their 25th anniversary.

foundation funds bradford teacher

24/5/2017

Georgina Pedley of Teach First, Richard Stroud, Richard Hughes Headteacher, Emma Graham

Foundation Vice Chairman, Richard Stroud, visited the Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College in Bradford last week to present a grant from the Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation.

The Foundation are sponsoring Emma Graham as a teacher for 2 years. Emma is teaching a Year 10 class in the 1300 pupil secondary school. During his visit Richard attended a very creative and successful maths lesson. The Foundation would like to wish Emma every success in her role.

YOUNG ATHLETE WINS SUPPORT FROM YORKSHIRE YOUNG ACHIEVERS FOUNDATION

2/3/2017

A young athlete from Cononley near Skipton has received a grant for coaching from the Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation.

Jessica Mayho, 23, competes internationally in the women’s hammer and is aiming to qualify for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

She has gained support from the Leeds Rhinos Foundation, L1 Performance, Sutcliffe Construction, Bottega Hairdressing, Mac G Racing and Westfield Health to fund her training but still has a shortfall in funds and the grant from the Foundation will go towards covering her annual coaching costs.

Foundation Vice Chairman Richard Stroud said: “Jessica is dedicated to her sport and also supports her local community. She has made an impressive effort to secure sponsorship already and we are delighted to be able to help. We look forward to hearing about her continued success.”

The main fundraiser for the Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation is the annual Yorkshire Young Achievers Awards which this year take place on Thursday 23 November, marking their 25th anniversary.

THREE WHEELS FOR BAILA THANKS TO YORKSHIRE YOUNG ACHIEVERS FOUNDATION GRANT

11/5/2016

A six-year-old Leeds girl has a new tricycle to help with her mobility, thanks to a grant from the Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation.

Baila Lester was born with a rare combination of two disabilities, both of which affect her mobility, and has undergone numerous operations to help correct the positions of her legs and feet as well as physiotherapy to aid her overall strength and development.

A special frame was fitted to her right leg and foot last year in an attempt to correct their position and, once this was removed it became vital to use her legs so that they did not revert back to their original position.

The Moortown family identified a special therapy tricycle, designed to make pedalling easier, which would help with Baila’s recovery and applied to the Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation for a grant towards its cost.

Trustee Richard Stroud was able to use the knowledge he has built in the role to liaise direct with the suppliers to achieve a favourable price.

He said: “It is marvellous to see Baila able to get around on her own. Not only is the tricycle an important part of her physical rehabilitation but it is something she really loves so we have achieved two benefits with one grant!”

Eventually Baila will have a similar correcting frame fitted to her left leg, with the new tricycle aiding in recovery again.

new trike for leah

20/4/2015

Leah Ann with her new trike

A Wakefield youngster has a new trike to help improve her mobility, thanks to the Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation. Nine-year-old Leah Ann Bowie, of Kettlethorpe, was born with Cytomegalovirus (CMV). Her mobility is poor, causing her to fall frequently, and she is deaf and wears two cochlear implants. Her learning is delayed and she has no speech and problems with swallowing.

Her mum, Elaine, contacted the Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation for a grant towards a specialised Tomcat Fizz trike for Leah Ann, the family having already raised £250 towards it. The new trike arrived this month and will enable Leah Ann to get about independently, without fear of falling or having to use a wheelchair. Elaine said: “Leah Ann is delighted with it – it makes her life easier and more fun!”

The Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation distributes funds raised by the annual Yorkshire Young Achievers Awards, sponsored by McCormicks Solicitors. The Foundation was formed in 2010 to support young people in the region to achieve their potential and makes grants to individuals and projects. Vice-chairman Richard Stroud said: “It is tremendous how something which seems so simple can make such a difference to a young person’s life.”

zone youth centre

20/1/2015

A North Leeds youth centre has benefited from a grant from the Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation to help it install a new security system.

The Zone Youth Centre in Primley Park Road caters for young people aged from two-and-a-half to 24, including those with special needs. It offers a wide range of activities, from karate to dance and from cheerleading to fencing.

It also offers a Youth and Family Support Service which is seeing more frequent referrals as families come under stress.

The Foundation’s grant will be used towards a new security system to ensure these vulnerable users can be protected, with the remainder of funds coming from the Zone’s own fundraising initiatives.

dogs make a difference thanks to the Yorkshire Young achievers foundation

16/9/2014

Cohen with Azerley

Two special dogs are helping two Yorkshire youngsters to tackle the challenges in their lives, thanks to grants from the Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation.

Ten-year-old Logan Robinson, of Pollington near Goole, and six-year-old Cohen Hadfield of Rotherham both have autism and have both been given grants towards Support Dogs which will help with their day-to-day lives.

The Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation distributes funds raised by the annual Yorkshire Young Achievers Awards, sponsored by McCormicks Solicitors.

The Foundation was formed in 2010 to support young people in the region to achieve their potential and makes grants to individuals and projects. Vice-chairman Richard Stroud said: “We were impressed by the efforts both families have made to raise money for the Support Dogs and by how much difference having a support dog could make to their lives.”

Both boys have been matched up with dogs by the Sheffield-based Support Dogs charity to help them to deal with difficult situations and to stay safe. Logan’s brown Labrador, Rollo, will join the family next month, while Cohen has a Golden Retriever/Labrador cross, Azerley, who is already making a huge difference to the family.

As well as autism, Logan has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, developmental delay and severe anxiety disorder, as well as other health issues. Due to his disabilities, he has no sensory comprehension, a lack of danger awareness and finds social situations extremely hard to manage.

His family has been fund-raising for their new dog, with dad Tony completing the Three Peaks, and they hope to be able to involve Logan in future fund-raising efforts, together with his dog, Rollo. Logan has already met Rollo and the family are working with Support Dogs on training before Rollo arrives in October.

Logan’s mum, Amanda, said Logan and the whole family were very excited about Rollo’s imminent arrival and she felt that the dog would make a big difference to their lives, keeping Logan safe from dangers that he does not perceive.

Cohen Hadfield also has developmental delay, along with hearing impairment and complex epilepsy. He, too, has no sense of danger and will run on to roads to avoid social situations. At the moment he has to sit in a special needs pushchair for his safety when he is outdoors but the family has already made some short shopping trips with Azerley and have found a huge difference in Cohen who has remained calm and walked with the dog. His mum, Sarah, said: “Being able to see Cohen do that is just fantastic! He would have run into the road but instead he just walked with Azerley and stayed on the pavement.”

She hopes having Azerley means that the family will be able to do things as a whole family, for example going to the park, which has not been possible before.