A Year 11 pupil has been praised by the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester for his “outstanding contribution towards social action.”
Schoolboy Jack Martin-Toomey, 16, has won joint second place at a prestigious awards ceremony for his selfless work to improve the lives of others.
Jack, who lives in Radcliffe and goes to Little Lever High School, has always had a passion for helping others but his eagerness to actively help in the community began when he started with his Duke of Edinburgh award.
Jo Toomey, Jack’s mum, said: “Before starting his DoE, he was quite reserved, but this has been amazing for his confidence.
“He is a totally different person to who he was two years ago, now if you meet him, he will instantly shake your hand and talk to you which didn’t happen as much before.”
After spending time volunteering with the Radcliffe Litter Pickers Jack completed his award and decided not only to stay on with the group but to join several others.
His mum said she was extremely proud and the work that Jack and other nominees have been doing puts “a lot of adults to shame”.
She said: “I am so proud of him, not only for how he has grown but the work and effort he puts into everything he does to help others in his own time, it is incredible.”
Jack has helped with litter picking, gardening at St Mary’s Church and other parts of the town, tidying up St. Philips Community Centre and volunteering his time to work events at the centre.
Jo said: “He volunteers his time to work for free at the community centre to help put some more money back into it and benefit people who want to use it.”
Gill Smith, a volunteer with the litter pickers, was the one who nominated Jack for the award.
Gill said: “I nominated Jack because he really is a nice young man and is willing to help wherever he can.
"He asked questions, he likes learning and he doesn't say no, he is just an incredible person.
"He has gained so much confidence since joining us at the litter pickers and I hope this inspires others to do and act like Jack."
Around a month ago, Jo received the call to let her know Jack had been nominated for a High Sheriff of Greater Manchester Young Citizenship of the Year Award 2022-2023.
Jo said: “Just him being shortlisted made me extremely proud, then he went and won joint second place!
“All of the young people there were genuine winners in my eyes and all did so much for their communities at a very young age, they certainly put a lot of adults to shame.
“On top of doing his DoE, making those connections and volunteering his time, Jack has been given a part-time paid job off the back of it which goes to show that when done properly, the award can really help young people.”
Litter Lever School have also praised Jack who picked up his award on March 30.
A spokesperson said: “We were delighted to hear from Year 11 student, Jack Martin-Toomey’s parents to inform us that he came joint second in recognition for his outstanding contribution towards social action by helping improve the lives of others.
“For Jack to come joint second in such an amazing group of people is just remarkable.
“Needless to say, his parents and team Little Lever are incredibly proud of him.”
If you have a story, please email me at Harriet.Heywood@newsquest.co.uk or tweet @Heywoodharriet_
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