Courageous Sleaford children awarded by Rotary despite the lockdown

The awards are a joint event each year hosted by the town’s two clubs – The Rotary Club of Sleaford Kesteven and The Rotary Club of Sleaford – and aim to single out under 18s who have shown courage and fortitude.

This could be day-to-day determination and hard work dealing with, adjusting to and overcoming obstacles and the harsh realities of life.

The eight boys and girls from Sleaford schools and the town’s 3rd Sleaford Scout Group were seen to have risen above mental or physical impairments, debilitating family situations or other circumstances, but, as well as that, the date of the presentation was changed three times due to the pressures of Covid-19 restrictions.

Organiser Bill Martindale explained that the ceremony was planned for March 24 in North Kesteven District Council’s main civic chamber, but this had to be postponed at short notice due to the lockdown.

A new date was pencilled in for September 23, but in July Mr Martindale was informed the council would not be holding any events at the council offices until 2021 due to ongoing precautions.

Mr Martindale said: “I had even planned a back-up date for November 25 but that went out the window as well, so I had to contact the schools, who were all very busy working within the new guidelines. We made arrangements to get the families and award winners to their schools for presentations on or off the premises.”

He added: “The winners were all thrilled and excited with the trophy and a citation signed by the two club chairmen. Some of the citations were read out, as they would have been in the council chamber and everyone applauded.”

Parents had tears in their eyes as the citations were read out.

He said: “We had two child carers this year. We had no idea of the crosses some of these youngsters have been carrying.

“Even some of the schools were surprised at the extent of what some of these youngsters were dealing with.”

The recipients were:

ALICE BOOTH:

Alice, 17, attends Kesteven and Sleaford High School. Following a sudden illness, her family had to make the heart-breaking decision to end medical care for her father so that he could die peacefully.

This was a hugely distressing time for Alice, during her critical GCSE year (Year 11). But she showed strength and took barely any time out of school, and continued to work hard towards her exams.

She achieved one of the best sets of GCSE results in the school, while at the same time supporting her friends and their own challenges.

Her citation added that her fortitude was inspiring: “Her kind heart and selfless nature was no less vivid, nor was her desire to do anything and everything to the absolute best of her ability.”

WILL CHENERY:

Seventeen-year-old Will Chenery, from Greylees, is a young leader with the 3rd Sleaford Scout Group. During the last few years he has been an amazing helper, assisting Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, often twice or three times a week.

He has encouraged the youngsters to do their best, try new things and still handled his sixth form studies.

Aside from Scouts, he coaches gymnastics, judging competitions and developing his own skills. He also does taekwondo, cheerleading and was described by Mr Martindale as a: “true gentleman”. His volunteering adds up to over 200 hours a year.

Will is also a young carer for his two siblings. Will’s brother has Asperger syndrome, causing stress and aggression in the home, but Will steps in to calm the situation.

Will’s parents and sister have had bouts of ill health recently and Will has stepped up to the plate, learning first aid and ensuring his siblings are safe.

LEO RIDLEY:

Leo, aged 11, attends William Alvey School and is a young carer to his wheelchair bound mum, who lost one leg and has had an operation on the other. He also cares for his dad whose health also deteriorated seriously recently.

His citation from the school adds: “Leo has shown nothing but real resilience as he continues to see the world in a positive light.

“Leo always strives to do his best in his own work and encourages the same attitude in his peers.

“Leo goes out of his way to nurture and encourage children throughout the school who need a little more help or may just require a friendly smile.”

He even supported his friend who had lost a parent recently, offering a listening ear and shoulder to cry on.

RUBY JOHNSON:

Ruby, of St George’s Academy in Sleaford, has a severe and debilitating medical condition which requires prolonged and frequent absences from school, but she never allows this to prevent her taking a full and active part in school life and studies.

She always catches up and works tirelessly from home with an admirable work ethic.

MEGAN CHILDS:

Megan is another 11-year-old from William Alvey School, who, just over 18 months ago, lost her mother unexpectedly after a minor operation.

It was a shock to the family and the community.

The school writes: “Megan regularly visits her mum’s grave in Sleaford cemetery, carefully tending the flowers and tidying the grave.

“She bravely explains to her friends how she has learnt to deal with her feelings and although she still clearly finds the loss of her mum difficult to cope with, she has been a tremendous support to her younger sister, Lilly.

“Megan’s positive outlook has also helped her dad through the grieving process, assisting him around the home with everyday household chores.”

Meanwhile, her school work has not suffered and she happily helps others who are struggling.

HARRY JONES:

Harry Jones, 12, is a hard working St George’s Academy student at Ruskington. He, too, is a young carer, looking after and helping his mum and younger siblings.

The school said: “He has held everything together during the recent loss of a family pet and his nan being in hospital just before Christmas. He has witnessed some events which a child should not and has still held it together.

“He is a great role model. His behaviour is exemplary, and he is a kind, polite and caring member of our community.”

HARRY AND LILI BETTS:

Harry and Lili go to St George’s Academy, but the school was shocked to learn from Nottingham Children’s Hospital what they had both been coping with.

Their mum had given birth to twins but had to stay in hospital as one baby was very poorly.

Harry helped with shopping, cooking and care of his younger siblings, while staying on top of his schoolwork. He had not even told his friends to prevent them from worrying.

This carried on for months until the academy became aware. His little brother did not survive and died just before Christmas.

The school said: “It has taken a huge amount of courage to remain in school and not allow his education to be impacted by such a tragedy.”

They said Lili has shown enormous strength and resilience, never asking for anything.

“When support has been offered, Lili smiles and politely declines,” they said.

“Her behaviour in school is exemplary. Lili’s bravery at such a young age is impressive and her determination to continue striving to achieve her best is a real inspiration to all her peers.”