Variety, the Children’s Charity of Jersey, has now opened nominations for this year’s awards, which champion young people who have shown courage, creativity and commitment.
There are six award categories: courage, community, carer, sports, art and academia, plus the overall ‘Young Star of the Year’ winner.
Kianne Moy (16), who underwent an operation in 2015 to remove a brain tumour but later suffered a stroke and went on to be diagnosed with a number of health conditions that affect her everyday life, won the Young Star of the Year award and an award for courage last year.
The 16-year-old, who suffers from diabetes, visual impairment and the sleep disorder narcolepsy, said: ‘It felt amazing to win two awards.
‘I can’t even describe how good it felt.
‘I don’t think people realise how hard it can be to suffer with an illness. People think that after an operation you’re going to get back to normal, but it’s not like that. It takes a long time to recover.
‘I think everyone should nominate someone for the awards because it makes that young person feel proud and makes others realise how much they have been through.’
Nominations for this year’s awards, which are now in their eighth year, are open until 16 December. A gala event is due to be held on Sunday 4 March, where the winners will be announced. The overall ‘Young Star of the Year’ will be awarded with £5,000 worth of holiday vouchers. Winners of each category will receive £500 worth of shopping vouchers, and the runners-up will be awarded with £100 worth of vouchers.
Kianne has not yet been on holiday with her winnings, but has a family holiday to Saint Lucia booked at Christmas.
Sandra Auckland, chairman of the event, said: ‘It’s been a long wait, but I am so excited to finally open the nominations for the 2018 awards. Variety is dedicated to making a lasting difference by bringing hope and comfort to children who maybe either disadvantaged or have special needs.
‘These awards provide the perfect opportunity to recognise the many deserving youngsters in Jersey and I hope that many people will feel encouraged to put forward their nominations. This is a chance to recognise Jersey’s diverse and vibrant young community – children are the future and this event is so important to encourage their ambitions and future aspirations.’
Nominations can be made online at varietystar.org.je and hard copies of the nomination forms are expected to be available in schools next month. Forms can also be collected from all Channel Islands Co-operative stores, as well as at parish halls.
The awards are sponsored by the Co-op. Chief executive Colin Macleod said: ‘The Variety awards are always a significant event in our calendar, but the lead up to the event is just as important.
‘This is the time when people have the chance to put forward their nominations and really make sure that every deserving youngster is recognised for their achievements.
‘It is important for us to celebrate the many inspiring young Islanders and we are once again honoured to be part of this year’s awards.’
