March 5 2015.


Newhaven’s outstanding young people received awards this week at a special ceremony at the Hillcrest Community Centre. The awards were held as part of the annual Town Meeting hosted by Newhaven Town Council.

There were three categories – Young Person of Courage, Young Sportsperson and Young Carer – and an additional overall award, the Newhaven Community Award, the winner of which was chosen out of all the categories.

The winner of the Young Person of Courage award is George Dawes. George has been involved in a project called “Keeping it Real” which aims to break down stigma attached to mental health issues. He has been talking to other young people about mental health and running stalls at local events. He has attended every meeting of Newhaven Young People’s Forum including meetings with other organisations that might seem scary. George received his trophy and cheque from Annie Lorys, president of the Newhaven Chamber of Commerce which sponsored the award.

The winner of the Young Sportsperson award is Callum Peploe. A member of the Hillcrest amateur boxing club for 2 years, he is the most outstanding young person the club has had in its 10 year history (there have been hundreds). He has already caught the eye of a former Team GB coach.

Next year he is entering the National ABA championships which will be a platform from where he will work towards being a future Olympian. Callum is presently studying 11 GCSE’s but still finds time to spend two hours each week cleaning at the gym. This award was sponsored by Wave Leisure and Callum received his trophy and cheque from Duncan Kerr, its chief executive.

The winner of the Young Carer award is Tommy Cole. Tommy’s Mum suffers from seizures and has mobility issues which mean that she cannot be left alone. Tommy helps around the house and allows other family members to have more time for themselves. Tommy knows how to keeps his Mum safe which is a great responsibility for him. Tommy was presented with his trophy and cheque by James Batchelor of Computer Eyez who sponsored this award.

The overall winner of the Newhaven Community Award for young people is Aaron Winser. Aaron was nominated for the Young Person of Courage Award. Aaron lost his Mum last summer to breast cancer. Aged just 13, he organised a fundraising event with two friends, where they shaved their heads. Aaron is a good all-round sportsman, playing both football and cricket. As well as playing for the Under 13s, he played every game for the Newhaven men’s 3rd eleven, despite his Mum dying during the season. His focus and passion were inspiring; he is trying so hard to make some positives come out of such a sad situation. Aaron received his award from Roxanne Haid of the Newhaven Enterprise Centre which sponsored this award.

Very many congratulations to all the winners and to all the other young people who were nominated. Newhaven should be very proud of its young people.


Pictured top: All the nominees for Young Person of Courage

Pictured bottom: All the nominees for Young Sportsperson (Callum is 2nd from right)