Prescot Leukaemia Survivor Is First Ark’s Young Person of the Year

A girl from Prescot was named Young Person of the Year at the First Ark Community Achievement Awards earlier this month.

Twelve-year-old Leah Whitehead spent Christmas 2015 in Alder Hey Hospital after being diagnosed with leukaemia, a type of cancer affecting the body’s white blood cells, which are vital in fighting infection.

Her family said she was so strong, she did her best to make life easier for her younger brother and sister, even while undergoing leukaemia treatment.

Now on the road to recovery, Leah is dedicating her time to making a difference in the lives of other children suffering from cancer.

Throughout the year she has raised money for charity and organised donations of 2,500 Easter eggs for both children and the elderly.

Leah’s Alder Hey Christmas Gifts Appeal

Leah’s latest mission is to collect as many Christmas gifts for Alder Hey’s young cancer patients as possible.

“While I was in hospital I received lots of gifts which made me smile and made those hard days easier,” said Leah. “This year it’s my turn to put the smile on others’ faces.”

She is appealing for anything from toys and chocolates to gift sets, pyjamas and vouchers.

“These children are battling cancer,” she said. “Please help me make them smile.”

First Ark described Leah as “a truly inspirational and beautiful young girl who remains positive and determined to get through her treatment and help as many others as she can along the way.”

More information about donating toys and gifts to Leah’s Alder Hey Christmas Present Appeal are on her Facebook page, Leah’s Journey.

Pictured: A proud Leah receives her award at the ceremony on 10 November

Scroll down for the full list of winners in the 2016 First Ark Community Achievement Awards.

Award: Young Person of the Year
Sponsored by: Orchard
Winner: Leah Whitehead

Award: Organisation of the Year
Sponsored by: Structec
Winner: First Step

Award: Community Group of the Year
Sponsored by: First Ark
Winner: Halewood Youth In Community Centre

Award: Creative Achievement of the Year
Sponsored by: GMA
Winner: Chris Vernon

Award: Entrepreneur of the Year
Sponsored by: Fusion21
Winner: Brooke Baday

Award: Fundraiser of the Year
Sponsored by: Crossfield Construction
Winner: Mike Carney

Award: KHT Resident of the Year
Sponsored by: Innovation Central
Winner: Melissa Smith

Award: Volunteer of the Year
Sponsored by: Keepmoat
Winner: Kevin Maloney

Award: Supplier of the Year
Sponsored by: First Ark
Winner: FH Groundworks

Award: Apprentice of the Year
Sponsored by: Agent Marketing
Winner: [Name removed by request]

Award: Unsung Hero
Sponsored by: Southdene Community Centre
Special recognition to Sheila Rogers

Related Posts

• 

  Man Arrested, then Bailed following Prescot Death
  Man Arrested, then Bailed following Prescot Death
• 

  Deadline Nears for Comments on Taylor Wimpey Housing Development
  Deadline Nears for Comments on Taylor Wimpey Housing Development
• 

  Tributes Paid to Whiston Hospital Surgeon Sadeq
  Tributes Paid to Whiston Hospital Surgeon Sadeq
• 

  Short Story Competition: Prescot Festival Offers Literary Challenge during the Lockdown
  Short Story Competition: Prescot Festival Offers Literary Challenge during the Lockdown