An inspirational Bolton teaching assistant has been named ‘life changer of the year’ for helping children participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) award.
Danny Evans-Tomkinson, of Bolton’s Firwood High School, was described as ‘making the impossible possible’ for some of his students with special needs.
The charity said Danny’s award was for ‘going above and beyond to ensure any student at the school can access the DofE, no matter their abilities’. They said Danny provided ‘support, adaptability and unwavering encouragement for his pupils’.
READ MORE: Man, 37, charged with attempted murder after nurse stabbed at Oldham Hospital
READ MORE: Trains STOPPED near Stockport with lines shut after person dies
Danny, was celebrated alongside six other This is Youth winners at a star-studded event hosted by the duke at Buckingham Palace. Now in its second year, This is Youth recognises the stories behind The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, its half a million participants and nearly 40,000 volunteers.
Danny Evans-Tomkinson
The DofE charity received hundreds of This is Youth nominations in seven categories, with the final winners chosen by panels including DofE youth ambassadors and celebrity supporters, McFly’s Harry Judd and mum Emma Judd, actor Oliver Phelps, athlete and TV Gladiator Jodie Ounsley, SAS: Who Dares Wins star Jason Fox, influencer Fats Timbo, high-profile chef Jon Watts and broadcaster Karthi Gnanasegaram.
Danny, said: “I just feel completely humbled and honoured – to be recognised as life changer of the year doesn’t feel real at all. “I did get quite teary. I didn’t realise how much it meant to me.
“The DofE is so important to young people, it gives them an opportunity to do something different, to challenge themselves, to dream big. “We provide opportunities beyond what they think they can do, we change the situation for students to access the award, no matter their ability level.”
Karthi Gnanasegaram, said: “The time and effort Daniel has put into helping the young people in his school in order to make sure they have the opportunity to do the DofE programme is so impressive. “Testing paths in his spare time to see if they are wheelchair friendly is remarkable dedication and commitment on top of everything else that he does.
“The fact that he is also helping prepare them for adulthood is an incredible additional bonus.”