Inspirational!
Tamesin Quinn
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Salford City Academy students star in Inspiring Young People film
Inspirational! That's Salford City Academy students Shaun Pack and brothers Jack and Lewis Pierce who have been chosen as three of the top 10 inspiring young people in Salford.
Shaun, Jack and Lewis are the stars of the second Inspiring Young People film to be created for Salford Youth Day in August.
They were chosen from 20 young people nominated by family, friends, teachers and professionals across the city.
Shaun, who lives in Eccles, was nominated for the award by Salford Young Carers, of which he is an active member. A carer for his mum, the 12 year-old also takes a proactive role in raising the profile of young carers, delivering school assemblies about the subject.
Despite living with the developmental coordination disorder dyspraxia, Shaun also manages to find time to play for the Manchester City Ability Squad as goalkeeper, training every week.
Also nominated (as one) for the Inspiring Young People film are brothers Jack and Lewis Pierce. Lewis, aged 13, has spent the last eight months in hospital after being struck down by a rare disorder, febrile infection related epilepsy syndrome (F.I.R.E.S.) Though his brother is seriously ill, Jack is a role model at school, giving little indication of the challenges at home. The 11 year-old continues to win subject awards, is a peer mentor to other students and represents the school at various events. He also plays a key role in his family’s community fundraising efforts for his brother Lewis and has rallied support from friends, the academy and the community alike.
Now the trio, whose courage and commitment showcase the true spirit of Salford, will be the stars of the show as the film is premiered at the ‘after party’ and during the Youth Day celebrations.
Commenting on his nomination, Jack said: “I feel privileged to be nominated. It's really good to be picked to appear in the film.”
Shaun added: “I feel like I’ve achieved a goal. I’ve achieved quite a lot in my life, but this is really big!"
Councillor Lisa Stone, lead member for children’s and young people’s services, said: “Young people often don’t get the credit they deserve for the incredible contribution they make.
“In Salford we work with schools and organisations like Salford Young Carers to acknowledge, reward and celebrate our young people all year round with Youth Day as one of the highlights. This film, will help get this year’s Youth Day off to a flying start as Jack, Lewis and Shaun are an inspiration to all of us.”
This year, the film has been produced by media students Rose McKenzie, Gabriella Callea and Steven Hogg from the University Training College at Salford Quays.
Look out for the boys’ stories which will be shared with the local community on the WUU2 website: www.wuu2.info/youthday