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Nov
Kirkby Malzeard's remarkable teen milkman wins unsung hero award
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Two young people from the Harrogate district have won awards for their inspiring work in the community.
William Renton, 16, and James Owen Thomas, 24, were recognised at the Yorkshire Young Achievers Awards last night (November 13).
About 400 people gathered at Leeds United’s Centenary Pavilion for the event.
William, 16, from Kirkby Malzeard, won the unsung hero award.
He achieved an outstanding set of GCSE results in the summer while caring for his younger sister, who has spinal muscular atrophy.
William has also won numerous awards at the Harrogate Music Festival, is completing his Duke of Edinburgh award and is a qualified wheelchair football association referee – a sport his sister plays.
He is also a young leader at a scout group, helps out at a local birds of prey centre, and works as a milkman in his home village six days a week.
Being present for his sister's hospital treatment has fuelled his dream of working as a medical professional.
Inventive artist
James was awarded the achievement in management and enterprise award for his inventive artwork.
The 24-year-old, who was diagnosed with autism when he was three, gained recognition for creating sustainable artworks from people’s rubbish.
Out-of-date tickets, used scratch cards and crisp packets were all used and put on second-hand canvases to create colourful collages.
James’ autism meant that pictures became a means of communication.
When he moved to Pateley Bridge aged 11, he was inspired by the rugged landscape and his dislike of litter and began to create pictures from the materials he found.
His first book, By My Nature, which tells his story and features his artwork, was published this year.
Gary McAllister (right) presents Eddie Gray with his award.
Special award to Eddie Gray
Leeds United legend Eddie Gray, who lives in the Harrogate district, accepted the Martin Gerrard award for his continued support for the Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation.
Harrogate solicitor Peter McCormick, who chairs the foundation, said:
It is always heart-warming to hear about how Yorkshire’s young people continue to shine and overcome challenges, and tonight was no exception.
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