WARRINGTON schoolboy Marcus Wilton has been presented with the British Citizen Youth Award in recognition of his public speaking in schools in support of the ADHD Foundation.
Marcus, aged 12, a Warrington Youth Club (WYC) member was presented with the British Citizen Youth Award (BCYA) medal at Westminster Palace for his commitment in supporting the wider community.
Marcus, from Chappleford in Warrington speaks publicly in schools and to professionals in support of the ADHD Foundation and what it is like to have ADHD and ASD as a young person. This has proven to be invaluable for thousands of young people up and down the country and of considerable help to professionals alike.
Marcus was referred to WYC Buddy Up programme in November 2014 by Samantha Barnett, who at the time worked at Barrow Hall Primary School and is now Wellbeing Lead at WYC.
Sam saw potential in Marcus, though was concerned with his lack of social interaction and how he would channel his frustrations due to ASD and ADHD. Whilst Marcus attended a mainstream Primary School, socially he was at risk of becoming isolated as outside of school had very little interaction with his peer group.
Nuvy Sibia, WYC Buddy Up Co-ordinator remembers meeting Marcus initially; “What struck me was his warmness, sense of humour and how personable he was and how much he would benefit from a Buddy. With the support of three different Buddies; Natasha, Sarah and Gareth we have supported Marcus for almost three years so he could attend Junior Youth Club, our gym and Buddy Up trips.
“Marcus and his Grandmother Jean have both been huge advocates of Buddy Up and since June 2017 when he began to present and speak publicly for the ADHD Foundation, we have also been very fortunate to share this leg of his journey too.”
The British Citizen Youth Award is a recognition programme for inspirational young people across the UK. They are recognised for their achievements by an independent assessment panel. Kimberley Wyatt of the Pussycat Dolls hosted the event and the medals were presented by several dignitaries.
