Cameron Small was last night named as the UK’s most inspirational young person at a prestigious reception at the House of Commons in London.
Cameron from Grimsargh in Preston joined leading politicians, including Ribble Valley MP, Nigel Evans, and sporting celebrities including Olympic Gold Medalist Linford Christie on the Terrace at the House of Commons for the third annual Kids Count Inspiration Awards.
The Kids Count Inspiration Awards recognises those individuals, young and old, and organisations that have been responsible for inspiring young people in their communities. A record number of nominations were received this year for individuals and groups who are addressing issues that affect the lives of children by creating initiatives that are grounded in practicality and realism, make a positive difference, and afford greater freedom to young people to determine their own futures.
At a very early age Cameron was diagnosed with a very rare and life threatening blood illness called Evans syndrome. Now aged 11, Cameron has had over 900 hospital appointments and faced four courses of chemotherapy, over 20 blood and platelet transfusions, four years of immunoglobulin transfusions, treatment for a thrombosis in his leg and other harsh immune suppressant drugs all of which caused him to become an insulin dependent diabetic needing injections four times daily.
At the age of four, Cameron noticed a brass plaque on a television set he was watching in hospital and decided to raise money for more televisions for the children in hospital. This was the start of Cameron’s fundraising activities which to date has provided not only televisions but computers, art and crafts and a sound and sensory department. He has raised close to £100,000 and has played his part in other appeals helping to reach a £20 million pound target for a new Children’s Hospital.
Ribble Valley MP, Nigel Evans, said, “The work of young people highlighted at the Kids Count Inspiration Awards is a real testament to the amazing effort made by thousands of young people across the UK. It is right that we should celebrate their success at the House of Commons and I am delighted to see Cameron awarded for his bravery, commitment and dedication. His achievements are significant and something that he and his parents are rightly proud of.”
Linford Christie said: “It’s an honour to be part of such a great initiative. All of the winners this evening are champions in their own right and Cameron is an inspiration to others, both young and old.”
Kids Count Chairman, Richard Stephenson, said: “The judges were all incredibly impressed with the nomination we received for Cameron. To have achieved so much and to have inspired hundreds of people, young and old, whilst battling against a rare and life threatening illness himself, Cameron is clearly a remarkable young man who has made a real impact in the lives of many. Kids Count is delighted to have the opportunity to name Cameron Small as the UK’s most inspirational young person.”
Stephenson added, “The courage, conviction and confidence that is displayed by young people and those who work with them, across the United Kingdom is often truly extraordinary but frequently overlooked. I am very proud to be part of an organisation that not only brings young people to the heart of decision making in Westminster, but that also aims to recognise their contribution to society through these Inspiration Awards.”