A Moray teenager has been recognised at this year’s British Citizen Youth Awards for his extraordinary contribution to society.
Aidan Henderson was honoured for his commitment to ‘The Warehouse’, a local café running projects for the young people of Elgin.
He was honoured with 25 other youngsters at a formal presentation held at the Palace of Westminster, attended by 120 guests including host, Rt. Hon. Lord Blunkett, patrons Dame Mary Perkins, Nicky Cox MBE and presenter Kimberly Wyatt.
Now in its fourth year, the BCyA, in association with Specsavers, highlights individual acts of bravery, kindness and compassion from young people under the age of 18 across the UK.
Aidan volunteers not only for the café but the wider community and in particular on behalf of Logan’s Fund, a children’s cancer charity raising considerable amounts of money for young people and families experiencing cancer.
Aidan was one of Moray’s Year of Young People announced last year by the Scottish Government setting out to celebrate young peoples’ talents and achievements.
It is a role he fulfilled with enthusiasm and commitment, travelling to take part in training in different parts of Scotland, regularly speaking at events, consulting with other young people to capture their ideas and providing leadership and energy throughout 2018 as part of a team of young people at the Youth Café.
Aidan suffers with dyslexia but never lets this become a barrier. He said he was “just over the moon” and mum Sally Henderson was delighted on behalf of herself and Aidan’s dad Steven, saying: “This is just so unbelievable. We couldn’t be prouder of our young lad.”