A remarkable 14 year old boy has been recognised at the House of Lords after dedicating his life to supporting his community.
Salford resident Ethan Evans has been awarded for his incredible bravery after fighting for his life and still giving back to others. It is this selfless commitment that has earned him 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. Ethan received his award from Specsavers co-founder, Dame Mary Perkins, at the Palace of Westminster on 7th July.
From a young age Ethan has faced numerous obstacles, fighting for his life after suffering from sepsis when he was just a few months old and two years later he was diagnosed with croup, which affects the windpipe, the airways to the lungs and the voice box. After recovering he was then seriously injured after being hit by a car, leaving him needing surgery and long-term physiotherapy.
As part of his rehabilitation, Ethan enrolled in his local community leisure centre for swimming lessons. Ethan showed talent and won a significant number of medals, including being crowned the Lancashire County champion two years running, and was competing nationally by the age of 12.
As a result of his success in swimming, 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 and was diagnosed with a rare condition called hemiplegic migraine syndrome but even while in hospital he raised funds to contribute towards 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 and humbled to be awarded the British Citizenship Award. In my opinion this could not go to a more deserving boy. He is amazing, caring, and compassionate and I’m proud to call him my son.’
Ethan continues to do his bit to help others by dedicating his most recent fundraising efforts to supporting two young Salford boys who are fighting life threatening illnesses.
The BCA is in partnership with customer experience management company, InMoment and proud to be supported by the world’s largest optical retailer and audiologists, Specsavers; one of the largest property and leisure management, development and regeneration companies in the UK, Places for People; leading ethical law firm Irwin Mitchell; palletised freight company, Pall-Ex; and creative communications group, Beattie Communications.
October 2016 will also see the introduction of the British Citizen Youth Award, recognising young people under the age of 16 who have positively impacted communities or particular groups and have contributed through their own endeavours to making a difference. Nominations can be made now until September 16th 2016.
To find out more about the BCA or British Citizen Youth Awards, and to nominate someone for the next awards in January 2017, please visit britishcitizenawards.co.uk
