A YOUNGSTER who raised funds for a cancer charity to help her Gran has been recognised with a British Citizen Youth Award.

Ava Prisk, nine, from Bedale, was one of 25 young people across the UK who received one of the awards.

Due to the current government restrictions banning large gatherings indoors, the usual grand medal presentation ceremony at The Palace of Westminster is unable to take place. For the first time in its history, Ava and the remaining 24 medallists will receive their BCyA medals by courier together with a video message from some of the Patrons and an invitation to the House of Lords at a date yet to be determined, when it is safe to do so.

Ava is selected to receive The British Citizen Youth Award (BCyA).

Since her Gran was diagnosed with Myeloma, Ava at just eight years old wanted to help and raise money for her medicine. After her parents got in touch with Myeloma UK for a fundraising pack, Ava set herself a target of £200 to give to the charity. Ava ran a cake stall and a bric-a-brac sale and stalls in the local church, beating her target and raising £3,025 for Myeloma UK.

The British Citizen Youth Award (BCyA), in association with Specsavers, is now in its fourth year and recognises exceptional young people who positively impact their communities.

Dame Mary Perkins, BCyA patron, said “These incredible young people are the rising stars of the future. I hope that many more youngsters will follow in their footsteps”.

Co-Founder of The British Citizen Youth Award, Mike Faulkner said: “Whilst it is bitterly disappointing not be able to present these young people with their medals in person, we are determined to recognise them for their exceptional endeavours. They will still have the full British Citizen Youth Award experience when we can safely gather indoors in larger numbers.

“The 25 medalists represent all that is good about young people today. Their commitment to others and to making society better for everyone, was the driving force for us to unite them with their medals at the earliest opportunity. Whilst some recognition programmes are regarded as elitist, the BCyA remains accessible to everyone and welcomes nominations year-round. By highlighting the commitment of young people like Ava we aim to make positive impact in the community the norm rather than the exception”.

Each Medal of Honour bears the words ‘For the Good of the Country’ and are presented to only a small number of exceptional young individuals annually. The British Citizen Youth Award is widely viewed as the nation’s way of recognising extraordinary, everyday young people for exceptional endeavor and are truly representative of today’s multicultural Britain.

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2021 medal presentations, register online at www.britishcitizenyouthawards.co.uk.