The search for Leeds’ 2010 Young Achievers was launched today (Wednesday 19 May) by Yorkshire actress Lucy-Jo Hudson who joined ITV Yorkshire’s Calendar team to celebrate the 18th birthday of the Yorkshire Young Achievers Awards.This year is particularly special for the Awards as their coming of age is being marked with the creation of a new charity, the Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation, designed to help even more young people across the region.
Lucy-Jo, who was named 2009 Personality of the Year, joined Awards Chairman Peter McCormick and two more of last year’s winners, Eleanor Longden of Saltaire and Emma Cartlidge of Rotherham, to open nominations for the 2010 Awards.
The Awards, sponsored by McCormicks Solicitors of Harrogate, recognise outstanding young people in the region aged under 35 who have made an impact, whether nationally, regionally or locally. To date they have raised £800,000 for youngsters in Yorkshire.
They are open to young people who live, work or were born in Yorkshire and celebrate achievements in the fields of business, sport, education and the arts, in overcoming adversity and achieving fame and fortune. Those with a lower profile have been brought into the limelight thanks to the Unsung Hero award, while there is always a Youngster of the Year to celebrate the achievement of a child under 12.
Foundation and Awards chairman Peter McCormick said: “This is a very special anniversary for the Awards, marking as it does both our 18th birthday and the creation of the Foundation which will help many more young people in Yorkshire.
“Every year we think that the stories that we hear at the Awards can’t be more inspiring and every year we are once again overwhelmed by the achievements of the region’s young people. If you know someone who deserves recognition, nominate them now!”
Nomination forms for the 2010 Yorkshire Young Achievers’ Awards are available on the Awards website at www.yorkshireyoungachievers.co.uk or by ringing Sonia Jones at McCormicks Solicitors on 01423 530630. Nominations close on 10 September and the winners will be announced at the Yorkshire Young Achievers Awards dinner on Thursday 25 November at the Leeds United Conference and Exhibition Centre.