The extraordinary achievements of four of our young carers were recognised at this year’s British Red Cross Humanitarian Citizen Awards.

The annual Awards were set up to recognise the achievements and celebrate the contribution that young people aged 25 and under make to the lives of others.

At an exclusive ceremony in London on the 17 November 2007, the overall winners - selected from more than 70 nominees – were announced.  It was the ‘Overall Group Award’ which was given to four of our young carers who volunteer with our own Young Carers service and the British Red Cross.

The four: Robert MacLean (17), Nicola Strachan (15), Craig MacDonald (17) and Ben Oakes (16), were recognised for their support work with other young carers and their dedication to volunteering, which includes teaching first aid to classmates and travelling throughout the highlands of Scotland to provide first aid cover.   

The four said: "We didn't know we were even being nominated and to find out we've now won means so much to us.”

Ross Bartlett, youth manager, was full of praise for them. He said: “No one is more deserving of this award than these four. They each have significant caring responsibilities for relatives at home, but still make their precious time, empathy and skills available to others in need.”

http://www.redcross.org.uk/standard.asp?id=43676