THE winners of a police scheme to recognise young heroes have been announced.
Chief Constable Jo Farrell selected the winners of those shortlisted for the overall Teesdale Young Hero prize.
The youngsters were selected for going above and
beyond for their communities.
In third place was dedicated young carer, Charlie Appleton, from Cockfield, who was nominated by his teachers for his exceptional care of his mum, Paula.
The 16-year-old gives vital support by helping with shopping, cooking, cleaning and other jobs.
And despite going above and beyond what most teenagers do, Charlie is still an exemplary student at school.
Second place went to Staindrop’s Benjamin Hawksby, ten, who was devastated when he was told his younger brother, Joshua, had been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
He hoped to raise a few hundred pounds when he decided to run the Raby Races with the help of a local running club but went on to bring in more than £4,000 for the ward at the Newcastle Royal Infirmary where his brother was receiving treatment.
The top spot was awarded to Ethan Fletcher, from Mickleton, who won first place after he organised his own bake off for Cancer Research UK.
Ethan organised everything from booking his village hall to approaching local businesses for prizes and raised more than £600 for the charity.
He has also raised £300 for the North-East’s Heel and Toe children’s charity, which supports children with cerebral palsy and other physical disabilities.
Ethan has a mild form of cerebral palsy and has been determined to help the charity which he has used in the past.
The ten-year-old was the first monthly winner of the award which is a force-wide initiative to recognise young people who go the extra mile.
All three were awarded Amazon vouchers to the value of £50, £30 and £20.
Ms Farrell praised all three youngsters. Praising the winner, she said: “Ethan has clearly put a lot of hard work. He has showed great determination and vigour to make a difference for his community and two special charities.”
The Teesdale Young Hero Award has now been relaunched for 2021.
Nominees must be aged 18 or younger and live in the Teesdale area. To nominate a young person email elizabeth.finn@durham.pnn.police.uk.
