Nursing Student wins prestigious YMCA award

School of Healthcare Sciences’ student, Jessica Whelan, has been crowned ‘Young Achiever of the Year’ at the YMCA national youth awards ceremony.

Jess, who is a first-year Child Nursing student, attended the Youth Matters 2019 awards ceremony at a London venue towards the end of last year and beat strong competition to be awarded the prestigious title.

The YMCA Young Achiever of the Year Award recognises the exceptional achievements of a young person who has overcome substantial barriers in order to make a real difference to their life and within the community.

Jess was praised by judges for her compassionate and determined spirit, acting as a young carer for members of her family, while also achieving her own social and educational goals. Jess has been a rock to her family and is a role model to young carers and her peers.

At the awards evening, Jess said: “I am really excited to have won such a significant award. Even reaching the final stage was overwhelming.

“My life has changed so much since getting involved with YMCA and I appreciate everyone who has supported me. Thank you to everyone who made this night possible.”

Youth Matters is YMCA’s national awards programme which seeks to celebrate the outstanding skills and achievements of young people from across Britain.