TWO remarkable young people whose hard work, determination and selflessness is an inspiration to others have been nominated for the 2014 Community Pride awards.
Tom Sutton, a pupil at Fulford School, had already been honoured for his dedication to helping best friend Corey Eastwood with the Bishopthorpe Youth Award, and has now been put forward for recognition by the whole city.
He has been nominated in the Spirit of Youth category for people aged 13 to 18 who make a positive contribution to community.
Although only 13 years old Tom helps at Sunday school and church youth clubs, is a bellringer and server in his church, and plays in York Steel Pan Ban raising money for St Leonard's Hospice.
He has also thrown himself into helping Corey, who was born with cerebral palsy, and last Tom swam, cycled and ran by his pal's side as they completed a sponsored triathlon to help raise the £25,000 needed to specialist surgery to help Corey walk unaided.
Nominated in the same category as Tom is paraclimbing star Sianagh Gallagher.
Sianagh, who won the Sporting Hero award in last year's Community Pride, has been nominated in the Sporting Hero, Spirit of Youth and Person of the Year categories by her proud mum Jade Ross, who said her daughter's selfless attitude is everything the spirit of youth should be.
Jade said: "Sianagh is truly remarkable and inspires all who meet her.
"She has more drive and determination to help others than most people will have in a lifetime."
Born with no left arm Sianagh battled through countless operations and years physiotherapy to take up rock climbing at the age of 10, and has since been selected for the GB paraclimbing team and won international medals.
She has made films to encourage people with disabilities into climbing, coaches able bodied children in rock climbing and is working towards launching her own climbing club for children.
More information on Spirit of Youth and all the categories in Community Pride, which honours the heroes of York whose hard work and selfless dedication make the city a better place is available at thepress.co.uk/pride
Nomintions can be made online or sent to Paula Homer, PA to the editor, The Press, 76-86 Wa lmgate, York YO1 9YN before Friday, July 18, with details including a supporting statement of no more than two sides of A4 with each nomination. You may also include a picture, which unfortunately we cannot return.
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