A remarkable 14-year-old boy will be recognised for his incredible efforts supporting disadvantaged community members at the House of Lords in July.
Salford’s Ethan Evans has been commended for his bravery after fighting for his life and still giving back to others. His selfless commitment has earned the local hero one of the country’s highest accolades – a British Citizen Award (BCA).
Launched in January 2015 the BCA, in partnership with InMoment, recognises extraordinary achievements by everyday people who have made a positive difference to the lives of others that may otherwise have gone unnoticed.
Specsavers co-founder, Dame Mary Perkins, will present the BCA medal to Ethan in honour of his inspiring service to community at the Palace of Westminster on 7th July.
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The award follows a difficult period for Ethan who has already encountered numerous obstacles during his lifetime.
At the age of one Ethan spent 10 days fighting for his life after suffering from sepsis and was diagnosed with Croup, a childhood condition that affects the windpipe, the airways to the lungs and the voice box, only two years later. After recovering he was then seriously injured after being hit by a car, leaving him in need of surgery and long-term physiotherapy.
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As part of his rehabilitation process, Ethan enrolled in his local community leisure center for swimming lessons. Ethan showed a natural talent for swimming and won a significant number of medals and was crowned the Lancashire county champion two years. He was competing nationally by the age of 12.
As a result of his swimming success, Ethan decided to use his love for the sport to make a difference at his junior school by taking part in a sponsored swim to raise funds for new sports equipment. He then started fundraising for various charities and within the last three years he’s raised thousands of pounds.
In May 2015, Ethan became ill again and was diagnosed with a rare condition called hemiplegic migraine syndrome. Even while in hospital, Ethan saved up all of his money and asked his mum to buy new bedding for the homeless unit in Salford.
Jenny Green, Ethan’s mum, said: ‘Ethan is one of the most remarkable little boys you could ever meet and if courage could get him that gold medal, he’d be standing on that podium today.
‘He is extremely excited to be awarded the British Citizenship Award. In my opinion this could not go to a more deserving boy. He is amazing, caring, compassionate and I’m proud to call him my son.’
Ethan continues to do his bit to help others, and has dedicated his most recent fundraising efforts to supporting two young Salford boys who are fighting life threatening illnesses.
