Seven of Salford’s most inspiring young people have told their stories in a unique new film.
They include three nationally-recognised swimming stars, a teenager with a life-threatening heart condition who raises funds for sick children, a young man who cares for disabled parents and dreams of being a professional dancer, and the new head boy of a Salford high school whose family fled vicious fighting in war-torn Eritrea to live in the UK.
Many will be familiar to SalfordOnline.com readers.
We met 13-year-old Robyn Newell from Clifton when she needed help publicising her fundraising work with the Children’s Heart Association.
Her incredible story is below.
Watch: Have a Heart – back schoolgirl Robyn in fundraise for sick kids
The Ellesmere Park High school pupil lives with Marfan Syndrome, a rare genetic illness which causes a litany of medical problems which affect the eyes, chest, heart, lungs, bones and blood vessels.
She’s spent almost her entire childhood in and out of hospital, including laser keyhole surgery once every 6 weeks for over two years in primary school.
Also on film are Hannah Payton, the Downs Syndrome swimming star who recently came back with medals from the European Special Olympics, and 11-year-old young carer Alex Norris, from Winton.
The video – called Inspiring Stories – was created by Salford City College students as part of the city’s Youth Day, to highlight the contribution young Salfordians make to their community.
The young people who star in the film include Ewan Wilson, 12, from Langworthy. He trains at 5am twice a week to represent Salford at swimming and is ranked second in the country for his age.
John Hoey, 18, from Little Hulton, spends a lot of time caring for his disabled parents but is chasing his dream of becoming a professional dancer.
He is now Ambassador at The Lowry and has written funding bids to involve other children and young people in dance and the performing arts.
Kerry Morton, 16, from Walkden, has cared for her parents for many years but has not let it affect her studies at Moorside High School.
Bethany Saville, 15, from Swinton was recognised by the Rotary Club of Salford last year for acts of good citizenship.
Also nominated but not filmed were: Ethan Evans, a teen fundraiser and national youth swimming champion whose efforts have brought in £13,000 for local charities.
Read: Paralysis-hit fundraising star, 13, vows ‘I won’t quit’
Sham Abraham, 16, lives in Broughton. He is Albion Academy’s first head boy, despite arriving in Salford speaking very little English when his family fled fighting in Eastern Africa.
James Sinclair, 16, from Weaste is deputy head boy at Oasis Academy and an inspiration to other students with his ‘can do’ attitude. James planned and organised the academy’s Christmas festival, raising over £400 for the school and has devised innovative ways to fund raise for overseas projects supported by Oasis. He also volunteers twice a week for Cycling for All.
Councillor John Merry, assistant mayor for children’s services, said: “Young people make an amazing contribution to Salford whether it’s representing the city through their talent, fundraising for local good causes, caring for family members or simply inspiring others by showing that personal difficulties can be overcome.
“We wanted to capture some of those stories to show how proud we are of their achievements and show everyone else in the city how they demonstrate the Spirit of Salford in what they do.”
Ten other young people who were nominated have received a certificate and letter thanking them for their contribution to the city.
