Community Stars Award shortlist: Vote in the Young Active Citizens category

The award aims to celebrate our younger volunteers making a difference in the district.

The finalists are Molly-Mae Windle, Alicia Cumberland and TRACKS Eco School’s Challenge Group.

Molly-Mae Windle

MOLLY-MAE WINDLE is an 11-year-old girl campaigning for more awareness around cystic fibrosis.

Molly-Mae wants to make radiology departments more child-friendly to create a less scary environment.

The young girl took part in an appeal video for the Rays a Smile Appeal for Bradford Hospitals’ Charity.

The person who nominated Molly-Mae said: “Despite her condition, Molly-Mae is determined to make a difference.

“She has been an active member at her school, St Anthony’s in Clayton, helping raise awareness of the appeal and coming up with some unique twists on how to fundraise herself.

“Working with her mum, she is a ‘Facebook’ star to her family and friends. She has hosted numerous raffles, attended fundraising events and has a talent for asking for support.”

Molly-Mae has thought up lots of fundraising ideas to raise as much as she can for the cause.

She is also taking part in a 5K run this November as part of Bradford City Runs.

Molly-Mae said: “I am very honoured to be nominated for this award.

“The fact I have been shortlisted for two awards is fantastic and can’t thank those who nominated me enough.

“It is a great honour to me to be able to help renovate my local radiology department into a more child friendly environment.”

Alicia Cumberland

ALICIA CUMBERLAND has been nominated for volunteering at Dan’s Den at Christchurch in Ilkley, a not-for-profit community soft play centre.

Alicia started as part of her Duke of Edinburgh award, clocking up more than 160 hours voluntary service.

She has also volunteered with Climate Action Ilkley to raise awareness of the impact local climate actions can make globally.

Her nominator said: “Alicia has a sparkly personality that is infectious. Her gentle confidence, energy and willingness to be part of whatever is going on.

“She has a respect for the mature volunteers she works with that allows them and her to learn from each other’s experiences and expertise.”

This Summer, Alicia gave up at least two days a week of her free time to provide activities for Dan’s Den.

Alicia said: “I was shocked and surprised at first however, after it all sunk in, I was extremely honoured to be considered and nominated for such an award.”

Tracks Eco School

TRACKS ECO SCHOOL’s Challenge Group was founded by Tiarna who wrote a letter to the Prime Minister expressing her concerns about plastics in our oceans.

In a reply, Theresa May suggested taking on the Eco School’s challenge and later a small group of students created a committee.

TRACKS works with students who struggle in mainstream education and often have social and emotional barriers to their learning and social lives.

The group all worked outside their comfort zones despite their anxieties. This challenge raised Tiarna’s confidence dramatically and she has since transitioned back into mainstream education along with team mate Arran.

She has handed over the leadership baton to George, who is now eager to cover new topics in the challenge and raise the remaining money for our Eco School accreditation. The group have cleared rubbish from the canal and towpath in Shipley and made posters to encourage other students to join them. George, eco school manager, leads the volunteers: Lewis, Arran, Azaan, Ellie, Gabriel, Tyler and Heather.

TRACKS’s Ruth Murney said: “All of the students in our provision are here because they cannot access their normal school for health reasons, so to be nominated for this award is an amazing achievement and a testament to the hard work and effort that they have displayed.”

Vote for your Community Star here

Voting deadline: Thursday, November 28

COMMUNITY STARS SHORTLISTS: