The Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards 2024 was officially launched on 20 March with a star-studded event held at Banyan in City Square.
The event was attended by several sporting supporters of the charity, including Rugby league legend Rob Burrow CBE, Leeds Rhinos players Rhyse Martin and Ash Handley, former LUFC star Brian Deane , and women's rugby league player and commentator Danika Priim.
Former Emmerdale actress Natalie Anderson, The Apprentice star Rachel Woolford, Dixie from Heart Yorkshire radio, and Terry George, a local entrepreneur and charity supporter, were all present. Yorkshire TV favourite Christine Talbot was also in attendance. She will once again host the prestigious awards ceremony, which will take place on the 18th of October at Leeds' New Dock Hall, alongside BBC Weatherman Jon Hammond.
Christine said: “I’ve hosted the Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards for several years now, and it is always one of the most special ceremonies of the year. I’m blown away every time by the amazing young winners and their stories. It’s always a spectacular, inspirational, and uplifting event. I can’t wait to be back this year.”
This year marks the 12th year of the Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards, which honour and recognise courageous young people across the Yorkshire region and raise funds for the St. James's Place Charitable Foundation.
Funds raised by the YCCA have contributed hugely towards helping children, community groups, and organisations across Yorkshire over the past eleven years. All monies raised at the YCCA awards ceremony are matched pound-for-pound by St. James's Place.
YCCA Chairman Ewan Dowes spoke at last night’s launch, expressing his pride in being a part of the team that organises such an incredible event.
Ewan said: “Last year, through the generosity of those who attended, we raised an amazing £100,000 (with matching from St. James’s Place) for the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation. This is then distributed through the grants programme to help many local charities across the Yorkshire region. We hope to raise another fantastic amount at this year's awards.”
The ceremony organisers hope to attract up to 800 guests to the October celebrations, with categories for children aged 0-12 years, and young adults between 13 and 18. There will also be a separate category celebrating the Children's Charity of the Year.
Leeds-based global telecoms company Core Telecom will be the awards’ headline sponsor for the second year running. Core Telecom Ltd. CEO Mahmood Mahzar said: “We are proud to have played our part in such a great event and continue to support such a great charity. Here’s to more smiles, dreams, and brighter futures ahead!”
Guests at the Banyan event was greeted with a drink’s reception, canapes and live entertainment, including a roaming saxophonist supplied by ‘Start To Finish Music’, a photo booth courtesy of Viva La Booth and decor by Unique Balloons.
Some of last year's winners were present at the event, including Maya Burrow, who won the Compassionate Carer Award 2023. Maya said: “It was a great honour and privilege for Macy and me to receive the Young Carer Award at the Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards 2023. It was a night that we will remember forever. We were lucky to meet many courageous children and hear their incredible stories. It made us feel proud to be from Yorkshire.”
To find out how to nominate, view this year’s categories, age groups, and see how your support can make a real difference to so many lives, please visit www.yorkshirechildren.co.uk
