A INSPIRING Evesham teenager was among 23 young people from across the UK who were honoured at this year’s British Citizen Youth Award (BCyA) for their extraordinary contribution to society, charities and good causes.
Prince Henry’s High School student Kiaragh Brown was recognised for her efforts at a formal presentation held at the Palace of Westminster in front of 120 guests including host, Rt. Hon. Lord Dholakia, patrons Dame Mary Perkins, Nicky Cox MBE and presenter Ashley Banjo.
Now in its third year, the BCyA, in association with Specsavers, highlights individual acts of bravery, kindness and compassion from young people across the UK.
The 13-year-old from Sheriffs Lench found her passion for fund-raising two years ago when she was chosen as the town’s carnival Queen. Her royal duties included choosing a charity to support and she selected the British Heart Foundation, as one of her friends has a heart condition.
In 18 months she raised more than £3,000, helped to get defibrillators installed in rural communities and gave up her weekends to run stands at community events.
Since then she has also dedicated her time to supporting Pancreatic Cancer UK having lost her grandfather, affectionately known as ‘Poppa Jim’, to the disease last year. Kiaragh helps promote early diagnosis of the condition and gave a speech at her school about what signs to look out for as well as holding an education morning at a local supermarket.
“We’re so proud of Kiaragh and how she has put so much into her fund-raising which is now at almost £7,000 for the two charities,” said proud mum Christina.
“She won a Wychavon Community Recognition Award in March for her fund-raising for the British Heart Foundation and to now be a British Citizen Youth Award medallist, is just fantastic.”
Dad Chris added: “Kiaragh is also a talented singer and is the current Evesham Young Musician of the Year. She has sung at a number of local events recently and has donated any fees to Pancreatic Cancer UK.”
Kiaragh received her BCyA medal from Ashley Banjo, creative director and lead dancer of Diversity, whose dance troupe won the third series of Britain’s Got Talent.
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2019 medal presentations, visit www.britishcitizenyouthawards.co.uk for more.
November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and the inspiring year nine student has more events planned including turning a host of local landmarks, including Worcester Cathedral, purple.
Visit www.justgiving.com/KiaraghBrown0817 for more.
