The Pride of Somerset Youth Awards

Trampolinist Theo, represents Bridgwater & Taunton College, and is actively involved with British Gymnastics and EnglandGymnastics. His dedication to training and his commitment to continuous improvement benefits his own performance and inspires his peers to strive for excellence. Theo volunteers in the community, coaching at Quayside TrampolineClub in Bridgwater, or in local primary and secondary schools..

Leah Spanswick is a young carer who not only looks after her wheelchair bound mum who needs support with daily tasks such as tube feeding and dressing but Leah also is a St Johns Ambulance cadet, supporting them with fundraising activities.

Archie and Jack tragically lost their dad in a car accident just beforeChristmas in 2022. To honour their dad, and raise vital funds for Josephine’sStar, a local charity that supports bereaved children and families. they took part in the 3 peaks challenge raising over £7000 for the charity.

Josh Harvey has taken on countless roles both inside and outside of college. Josh isa volunteer coach to an under 7s football team, Vice-Chairman of the Burnham Town Board, a member of the Burnham Bus-Users group, an East Huntspill ParishCouncillor, and active member of the College’s Student Union.

Winner Daniel Lee Barnett studies cryptozoology. Aged 14, Daniel has already made outstanding contributions to the field. His meticulous attention to detail and unwavering dedication to the study have earned him respect and admiration from his fellow cryptozoologists across the world.

He has a successful Podcast, has featured in the National Press, delivered classes to teenagers in Mexico and is due to be a guest speaker at a Florida Conference this summer delivering a talk to over 5000 scientists and researchers.

Since birth, 9 year old winner, Theo Trevor Eades, has undergone 14surgeries to rectify numerous health issues. He had adverse reactions to anaesthetics and needed help to respond to recovery, his difficulties have left him with bilateral hearing loss. Theo continues to show incredible resilience, his bravery and mature outlook is outstanding.

Ellie Bealing is a proactive member of her school, King Arthurs School in Wincanton. Ellie is on the School Council, Head of School and represents the school and Somerset as an elected member of the Youth Parliament. As a member of the British YouthCouncil and has campaigned for a voice for young people in Somerset. This has culminated in her speaking at the House of Commons this year, highlighting the disparity of experience between young people in Somerset vs other, less ruralareas, connected to available opportunities and transport links.

Freya sadly lost her Dad to suicide in November 2022. Freya and her brother Fin decided to do something positive to remember their dad and help others, running 30 half marathons in 30 days. The siblings raised nearly £3,000 for the charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably).

Ernie Shorten is an extremely talented, largely self-taught, non-typical dancer. He has been a member of Stacked Wonkey, a nationally renowned arts organisation based in Porlock, since he was just 8. This year, Ernie joined the National YouthDance Company, 1 of 25 selected from the UK, and the first dancer from Somerset to join in a decade.

ZP4 (FredBale, Lewis Townsend, Ollie Chorley, Sawyer Hansford, Josh Hatt, Charlie Barden, Alfie Bale & Alex Peek).

Alex’s brother Zach unexpectedly passed away in 2022. Zach was a remarkable young man, whose passion for life and love for football and cricket touched everyone he met. In honour of his best friend, Fred Bale was inspired to raise funds for a bench at Bridgwater Cricket Club. With friends, Fred aimed to raise approximately £1,000 through fundraising, exceeding all expectations he raised £37,000. In awe of Fred’s efforts, the fundraising continued.