Ten extraordinary young people and a Leeds children’s charity were celebrated for their remarkable bravery and resilience at the prestigious Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards 2024 (YCCA).
Held on October 18th at New Dock Hall, the star-studded event welcomed over 600 guests, including well-known celebrities, who came together to honour some of the region’s most inspiring children and young people.
Founded in 2011 by the St. James’s Place (SJP) Charitable Foundation, the awards have become a cornerstone of Yorkshire’s social calendar. It not only highlights the courage of the region’s young people but also raises essential funds for hundreds of charities.
This year’s event, inspired by the glamour of the 1920s, raised over £65,000. Among the attendees were a host of familiar faces, including charity ambassadors; Leeds United legend Brian Dean, actress Natalie Anderson and former Leeds Rhinos player Danika Priim. Former Leeds Rhinos captain Kevin Sinfield CBE, also an ambassador for the charity, sent a video message applauding the courage and resilience of the finalists.
Since its inception, the SJP Charitable Foundation has supported many Yorkshire charities to continue their vital work, including Oscar’s Paediatric Brain Tumour Charity, Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice and Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.
Returning for her fifth year, former ITV Yorkshire presenter Christine Talbot co-hosted the awards alongside BBC presenter Jon Hammond. Christine commented: “These awards are a deeply emotional yet uplifting experience. The stories of bravery and determination we hear are simply awe-inspiring. It is a privilege to be part of such a special night.”
This year, a new award category was introduced in memory of the late Rob Burrow. The “Dare to Dream” award was presented by last year’s winners of the Compassionate Carer award, Rob’s daughters Maya and Macy, who were joined by their mother, Lindsey and brother Jackson.
Freddie McDonald, who was born with a condition called Alagille Syndrome and had 2 open heart surgeries before his 5th birthday, was presented with the ‘Dare to Dream Award’.
Freddie’s mother, Emma McDonald, expressed her pride, saying, “We are incredibly proud of Freddie for receiving the prestigious Rob Burrow Dare to Dream Award at this year’s Yorkshire Children’s Awards. Freddie, an inspiring 12-year-old, exemplifies bravery and courage every day. Despite the challenges he faces, he continues to inspire others and raise awareness about organ donation and the Leeds Hospital Charity”.
The night also included a heartfelt tribute to award nominee Jude Mellon-Jameson, who sadly passed away in 2023. His parents were present to honour his memory and legacy.
Present to lend their support, were Emmerdale stars Natalie Jamieson, Olivia Bromley, and Laura Norton, as well as BBC Apprentice winner Rachel Wolford. Radio hosts JoJo and Stephanie Hirst also attended, as did the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung.
Ewan Dowes, chair of the Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards committee, expressed his gratitude: “A massive thank you to everyone who supported this year’s Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards. The money raised will allow us to continue providing critical funding to charities across Yorkshire, and we are deeply thankful for everyone’s generous contributions.”
Jon Ellis, regional director of St. James’s Place, said: “It is always humbling to celebrate these incredible young people. We are honoured to host this event, and the funds raised this year have exceeded all expectations. A huge thanks to our sponsors, guests, and ambassadors for their unwavering support.”
The evening’s success was made possible by the generous support of local businesses, including headline sponsor Core Telecom. Managing Director, Paul Turner said: “It was a true privilege to support and celebrate the achievements of these inspiring children, their families, and their incredible resilience.”
The event raised funds with a silent auction and charity raffle. Leeds jeweller, Phillip Stoner, kindly donated the evening’s top raffle prize.
