THEODORE NOEL AND PATRICK ZAROFFE
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This award is to reward those under the age of 17 who rarely receive the recognition they deserve. Young people often attract the wrong kind of attention and scrutiny but there are some amazing children in our community whose efforts and commitment would put most adults to shame.
Those nominated could have battled against serious illness, without letting it get in the way of their daily routine, or they may have been an inspiration to others by dedicating time and effort to helping people. Alternatively, they could be a leading light in their sport or hobby, gaining recognition for their efforts and putting Jersey on the map, or simply excelling at every level.
Children are our future, and this award will help us to celebrate them.
A remarkable young boy who has faced “more challenges in his young life than many people do in a lifetime” has been nominated for the Child of the Year award.
Seven-year-old Jace Bellot-Hepburn “continues to amaze everyone around him” with his bravery and resilience despite overcoming meningitis and being diagnosed with diabetes, his nominator, Kate Burke, said. “What makes him truly special is that he never lets his health define him,” Miss Burke explained.
“He is full of life, incredibly charismatic and has the most wonderful sense of humour. “He has an amazing ability to make those around him laugh, even during the most difficult times and his positivity is infectious.
“His courage, determination and cheerful spirit are an inspiration to everyone who knows him. At just seven years old, he demonstrates strength far beyond his years while continuing to embrace life with a smile.”
A ten-year-old girl has been recognised for her “exceptional” fundraising efforts and “extraordinary” kindness by being nominated for the Child of the Year Award. Isla Aubert has been commended by her nominator for organising fundraising initiatives and challenges with “enthusiasm and positivity”.
Earlier this year, Isla independently came up with the idea for an event called Dancing in the Light of Love, a day of dancing, yoga and other activities, which raised around £2,000 for Jersey Hospice Care, in honour of her late grandad. Her nominator said that Isla has turned her grief after losing her grandfather into something positive, by supporting a charity that is “close to her heart”.
“Her fundraising is about much more than raising money, it is about ensuring that patients and their families can continue to receive the specialist care, comfort and support that Jersey Hospice Care provides every day,” Isla’s nominator explained.
They went on to describe how she is deserving of this award due to the “genuine care” and “empathy” that she shows for others.
Her nominator added: “She has touched the hearts of many people and helped raise awareness of the hospice’s vital work. Isla is an outstanding young role model.”
Two boys have been nominated for Child of the Year by the chief executive of Jersey Cheshire Home for their “exceptional commitment over the past two years to raising awareness of disability and supporting their community”.
Jersey Cheshire Home was a special place for Thomas (10) and Daniel Lowry (7) as their great-uncle, Peter Riley, lived there for 12 to 13 years, according to their nominator, Donna Abel.
Despite their young ages, they organised a range of events at their school in St Lawrence to raise awareness and understanding of disabilities. Since then, Mrs Abel said they have organised two “Red Days” at their school, where pupils and staff come dressed in red and participate in challenges. This has raised over £1,000 for Jersey Cheshire Home.
“The boys also created an awareness video that shared powerful messages about kindness, acceptance and treating everyone with dignity and respect,” said Mrs Abel.
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