A TEENAGER has been recognised for her voluntary work for a local mental health and suicide prevention organisation.
Ellie Halpin, who is also a young carer, was the selected winner for Tameside of the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester’s Young Citizen of the Year Award.
The Correspondent reported in November that the High Sheriff, Dr Eamonn O’Neal DL, launched a search for young people who have done something exceptional in the past year by encouraging nominations for 11 to 18 year olds who “consistently act selflessly within their local community”.
Hundreds of young people across Greater Manchester were put forward and they all received certificates.
Some were highly commended but only 33 young people were officially shortlisted, and there were only 10 winners – one for each borough. The winners were chosen by an independent panel.
Ellie attended a special ceremony, where she was presented with her award by the High Sheriff and his wife Sheila.
Ellie’s proud mum Jo Gray said her daughter fully deserves this “absolutely amazing achievement”.
She told the Correspondent: “A big part of Ellie’s nomination was linked to the consistent dedication to her voluntary work with Live Great Adventures CIC – our mental health and suicide prevention organisation based in Tameside, along with the hard work, kindness, love and support that she gives so freely without a second thought.
“She has been a young carer for many years and supported me in so many ways throughout her life too.
“Ellie is very modest and a little shy, however, we believe that this is an absolutely amazing achievement for her which is so deserved.”