Top accolade for teenage Moray volunteer
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A TEENAGE Elgin volunteer has been awarded at the Palace of Westminster for his stand-out contribution to local causes.
Aidan Henderson (16) earned a British Citizen Youth Awards (BCyA) medal through his work with a local youth café and charity Logan's Fund.
He was among 26 inspiring youngsters from across the UK recognised this year for extraordinary contribution to society, charities and good causes.
Aidan collected his award at a ceremony on October 16, attended by 120 guests including host Rt. Hon. Lord Blunkett, and patrons Dame Mary Perkins and Nicky Cox MBE.
Kimberly Wyatt, presenter of Got to Dance and member of The Pussycats Dolls, handed over Aidan's medal.
Aidan’s commitment to The Warehouse, an Elgin café running projects for 11 to 18-year-olds, has been described as "exceptional" over the last four years.
He also helps out in the wider community and has shown an unwavering commitment to Lossiemouth-based children’s cancer charity Logan’s Fund.
2018 was declared The Year of Young People (YoYP) by the Scottish Government to celebrate young people’s talents and achievements and Aidan was selected as one of Moray’s YoYP ambassadors, a role he fulfilled with enthusiasm and commitment. He regularly travelled to take part in training throughout Scotland, spoke at events, consulted with other young people to capture their ideas, and provided leadership and energy over the year as part of a team of young people at the café.
Aidan is also involved in young Rotarians group Rotaract, where he assists in the running of coffee mornings, bingo and tea dances over weekends and school holidays.
Logan's Fund chairman Cameron Mackintosh said Aidan's award was absolutely deserved. He said: "Aidan has been a keen and devoted supporter of Logan's Fund for quite a few years now.
"As part of the Year of Young People in 2018 Aidan chose to support Logan's Fund for the year-long initiative with a series of fundraisers that culminated in him organising an amazing talent show at Elgin Academy for the charity, which showcased some incredible talent from across the Moray area. His efforts raised around £1200 for the charity.
"Aidan has volunteered at our annual Logan's Family Fun Day for several years now and is also eager to help out on other occasions when needed.
"He has always shown a great maturity in his volunteering roles and his public engagement is first-class, with politeness and clarity always at the forefront.
"We believe that Aidan embodies all that this award stands for and is more than a deserving winner."
After the medal presentations, the youngsters were treated to an open-top "Lap of Honour Tour" of London.
