BBC Radio 1 announces 2016 Teen Heroes




BBC Radio 1 has today named the four inspirational Radio 1 Teen Heroes of 2016. The young teens, who have gone above and beyond what is expected of them to help others, will be honoured at Radio 1’s Teen Awards this Sunday 23 October at an event that celebrates the selfless, brave and exceptional achievements of four of the year’s most outstanding youngsters. 

Now in its seventh year, Radio 1’s Teen Awards will be held at London’s SSE Arena, Wembley and will be hosted by Radio 1 Breakfast Show host Nick Grimshaw and special co-hosts. Radio 1’s Teen Awards is one of the biggest events in the pop music calendar, with the line-up for this year’s event featuring spectacular performances from top music acts Little Mix, Jess Glynne, The Vamps, DNCE and special guests.

The Teen Hero awards include those focused on mental health as well as volunteering, and this year there is also The Make It Digital Teen Hero Award. The Radio 1 Teen Heroes of 2016 are:

  • Radio 1 Teen Hero - Lewis (15) from Hampshire, who despite his own health problems has created a social platform for poorly and disabled young children.

Lewis, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour, hydrocephalus and epilepsy, has had 12 brain surgeries among other operations since he was 17 months old. He spends a lot of his time in hospital and knows he will need more surgery in the future to stay alive but despite this, Lewis is an active fundraiser having raised over £20,000 for charities. He has since gone on to found ‘Friend Finder’, a website offering fortnightly events for poorly and disabled children, most of which have spent their lives in and out of hospital and unable to make friends. He has adapted the site for those that struggle to read and write and is now organising the first Friend Finder prom for young people that missed their prom.

  • Radio 1 Teen Hero - Niamh (15) from South Wales who has a rare auto immune illness.

Fifteen year-old Niamh has had several life-limiting health problems since birth. At the age of four Niamh became blind due to a rare auto immune illness called neuromylitis optic, and at the age of five she was paralysed. Despite her own health problems and daily struggles she continues to raise awareness of her condition through a blog. She is also a children’s ambassador for the Nmo UK charity, as well as running her own online support group for young people with chronic illnesses. Niamh hopes to one day become a therapist and vlogger, focussing on supporting those with chronic illness, mental health problems and raising awareness of Nmo in the hope of finding a cure.

  • Radio 1 Teen Hero 1 Million Hours Award - Joe (17) and Toby (15) from Suffolk who are active volunteers and fundraisers for Cancer Research UK.

In March 2014, three enthusiastic boys - Joe, Toby and Arran - unknown to the staff - started busking outside a Cancer Research UK shop, raising £90. A few months later, Arran was rushed to hospital after discovering he had a brain tumour and passed away. Since then, Joe and Toby have gone on to organise various charity events to raise money for ‘The Smile Of Arran Trust’ and Cancer Research UK, including an event called The Big Busk. They continue to inspire their community to get involved in any way possible and volunteer in the shop whenever they can.

  • The Make It Digital Teen Hero Award - Lauren (16) and Lucy (17) from Hampshire - creators of a light-weight medical emergency kit that has been used in the military field.

Their idea for a light-weight medical emergency kit has applications not only in the military field but also in general rescue missions. They worked with the category sponsor Airbus on the idea, gaining much knowledge about opportunities for young women in engineering and technology in the process.

They have gone on to become role models and inspire other young people, and especially girls to get involved in technology. Lucy used her passion on a trip to Columbia, setting up technology sessions for young girls there, and was praised by the CEO of Women’s Engineering Society for her enthusiasm.

Lauren spent half term in a Space Lab developing lesson plans for Year 6 pupils, which has since been selected as an example of best practice for the EU-funded KIKS project which challenges 14-16 years in Spain, Hungary, Finland and the UK to develop lesson plans to inspire their peers or younger children to consider a career in engineering or technology.

Nominated by Radio 1 listeners, the deserving Teen Heroes were chosen by a panel of judges consisting of Radio 1 DJs and former Teen Heroes.

Radio 1’s Clara Amfo says: “Every year the Teen Awards shine a light on teens that have done exceptional things up and down the UK and I’m so very happy that Niamh is getting to be part of it this year. Her story truly moved me and her attitude is something that has definitely inspired me and I’m sure it will for all her fellow teens in the audience and for those who are going to be listening at home.”

Radio 1’s Nick Grimshaw says: “From his fundraising efforts, to his work in bringing young people together, Lewis is a big inspiration. He has a unique story, has been through so much and is truly deserving of the Teen Hero award.”

Radio 1’s Greg James says: “Lauren and Lucy do incredible work to inspire and actively encourage young girls to get involved in tech and engineering jobs. Statistically, these areas are male dominated so anything that can be done to redress the balance I think is really important. It's a powerful statement to celebrate these two on a stage in front of 10,000 young people, mostly young girls to reinforce the message that no job is out of anyone’s reach for any reason - in this case, particularly gender.”

Radio 1’s Scott Mills says: “Joe and Toby epitomise what the Teen Hero Awards are all about. They had already made a difference busking with their friend Arran for Cancer Research UK and it’s touching that they continue to do this, and volunteer in the CRUK shop every weekend, in his memory. Incredible achievements and I’m thrilled that they are being celebrated.”

Radio 1 will be bringing listeners all of the fun from the awards ceremony - the whole event will be broadcast live on Radio 1 on Sunday 23 October and will be available to watch live on Radio 1’s BBC iPlayer channel, with highlights available to watch on Radio 1’s YouTube channel.

Further details about Radio 1’s Teen Awards here.

Notes to Editors

Other nominees that made the Teen Heroes shortlist are:

  • The Make it Digital Teen Hero Award - Wekonnekt - 14 and 15 year-olds Hasan, Shayaan, Mohammed, Itesham and Luay from Luton

Hasan, Shayaan, Mohammed, Itesham and Luay are young digital entrepreneurs from Luton who are the team behind WeKonnekt - an app that connects, informs and empowers young carers. The free app offers peer support, as well as practical information like emergency numbers and local pharmacy opening times, allowing support for many vulnerable, young carers. The app won the People’s Choice Award at the Apps for Good Awards (2015) and was shortlisted at the Tech For Good Awards (2016).

  • The Make it Digital Teen Hero Award - I’m Okay - 16 year-olds Katie, Emily, Josie and Alex from Stratford-upon-Avon

Katie, Emily, Josie and Alex are the team behind ‘I’m Okay’ - an app that connects, informs and empowers lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual and queer (LGBTQ) young people. Their website gathers real-life stories from young people about their sexuality and gender, which are added to the app. Teens using the app can read the stories, gaining insight from those who’ve had similar experiences. The app also provides easy to understand definitions of LGBTQ terminology and links to helplines and resources. The I’m Okay app is free to download, making it readily accessible to teens who can have all the information directly on their phones. So far the app has had thousands of downloads, in the UK and beyond.

  • Radio 1 Teen Hero 1 Million Hours Award - 13 year-old Leia from Carlisle

At the age of three, Leia lost her dad in a motorcycle crash. Since the age of seven, she has been involved in community and charity work to the thought and benefit of others - raising over £3000 for various charities by organising events. In her own time, Leia has fundraised for Cancer Research and Eden Valley Hospice and has given her own time freely to volunteer during the last two years.

She is part of the massive ‘U Can Shine Programme’ teaching self-esteem and confidence to pupils in primary schools. In July, Leia was nominated for the Spirit of Cumbria Award for the work she had done during the devastating 2015 floods - there were just 12 winners from hundreds of entries and Leia was the only young person to win - labelling her as a ‘flood hero’. She has recently completed the Archbishop’s Young Persons Community Award in school and was honoured to receive a Personal Special Commendation from the Archbishop of York for her selfless work and thoughtfulness to others.

  • Radio 1 Teen Hero 1 Million Hours Award - 15 year old Jeremie from Southsea, Hampshire

Jeremie was removed from his mother’s care when he was a toddler and has lived with his father ever since. Alongside caring for his father, who has limited mobility due to a motorcycle accident, Jeremie is involved in a weekly Young Carers project, and is completing his Year 10 studies.

Jeremie and his father began working with Barnardo's Family Intervention Project in December 2015, where he started his volunteering journey straight away by offering his help with arranging a Christmas party for the children and families engaged with the project. Since then Jeremie has consistently donated his time for Barnardo’s by helping organise activities for children in service, interviewing prospective keyworkers and giving his views in audits where he bravely shared his story with other children open to Barnardo’s.

  • Radio 1 Teen Hero Award - 16 year-old Alex from Dudley

Alex is not like other teens - he spends over five hours a day caring for not just one family member, but three. Alex was born into his caring role, but started giving care at around the age of three. His Mum has Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis; his Nan is a double amputee; and his Granddad has suffered from a series of strokes. Alex now plays a huge part in ensuring the right services are available for young carers in Dudley. He has worked directly with the council to develop resources, specifically aimed at young carers, which are now used in schools across the area.

After working with the local authority to create a poster to raise awareness of young carers, he became interested in continuing his work with them, and has recently been involved with their anti-bullying campaign. About to start his A-Levels, he hopes to enter medicine and take his role as a carer to a different level.

  • Radio 1 Teen Hero Award - 15 year-old Carys from Surrey

Carys has grown up with two younger sisters who are severely disabled. This year her youngest sister Siena has been in hospital having become seriously ill - Carys helped to look after the family whilst her mother stayed at the hospital, making sure her other sister Isabelle was well cared for. She has recently raised money for treatment and equipment that her sisters need by doing a 5K Colour Run, as well as volunteering once a week at a charity shop.

  • Radio 1 Teen Hero Award - 17 year old Shannon from Portsmouth

Shannon has already this year completed studies in Health & Social Care at College, and has held a job caring for a nine year-old little girl with Epilepsy and Hydrocephalus. In addition Shannon is also a tremendously supportive sister and daughter to her younger sister and mum, both of whom have experienced mental health difficulties. Shannon is herself a survivor of bullying and has used her experiences to support other young women tackling these issues by way of making an anti-bullying video with The Girls Network, where Shannon bravely shared her experiences. Shannon also regularly gives up her time to take part in participation work with Barnardo’s.

  • Radio 1 Teen Hero Award, 13 year old William from Northamptonshire

William suffers with Asperger’s Syndrome. In 2014, he was devastated when his grandfather died, having lost his third battle with cancer. For his 12th birthday, instead of presents and cards, William asked people to donate to the Movember charity in memory of his grandfather. By the end of Movember 2014, he had raised over £7,000 and was ranked as the highest fundraising under 18 in the world on the Movember leader board. For Movember 2015, he launched ‘MiniMoBros’, continuing to fundraise and raising awareness, reaching a total of £12,500. He has raised over £20,000 over two Movembers.

October 20, 2016 4:53am ET by BBC Radio 1  

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