The British Citizen Youth Award is a recognition programme for inspirational young people who are recognised for their achievements by an independent assessment panel – each nominee is assessed and considered to be awarded the BCyA and therefore will not be judged or be named as a 'winner' in a competition.
Recognition for Cadets at British Citizen Youth Awards
Congratulations to Cadets Chris Johnson and Ciaren Adam, who have both been awarded British Citizen Youth Awards.
Cadet Chris Johnson
Finding himself with more time on his hands during lockdown, Chris made thousands of protective face masks using his 3D printer at home for frontline NHS staff and the wider community.
Inspired by his Aunt, Joanne Eccles, a Senior Nurse at Royal Preston Hospital and CFAV, Chris set up a Go Fund Me page to help cover costs of materials to produce more masks to help as many people as possible.
Speaking at the time, Joanne, who is Deputy Commandant for Lancashire ACF, said “What we try to do within the ACF is not just teach the Cadets the military skills, but also try and get them to take on leadership roles, realise who they are and how they can have a positive impact by taking that step back, reviewing the situation in front of them and seeing how they can make a positive difference to whatever the situation is.
“That is exactly what Chris has done here with these visors. He has reviewed what was going on in the World around him and go on to make a positive impact.”
Originally with a target of £500, Chris went on to raise over £4,000 and purchased a second 3D printer which he is going to donate to his local primary school to support STEM projects after the pandemic has passed.
Lance Corporal Ciaren Adam
Ciaren champions anti-bullying within his school and has done for many years, he is a mentor to the younger students and pays attention in educating these students in recognising bullying and how to cope and deal with the issues that surround it and how to and who to report incidents too.
In August 2020, he started 6th year at High School and was appointed Head Boy in recognition of his commitment to anti-bullying and mentoring at the school.
During lockdown Ciaren selflessly helped at his local church with the distribution of food and essential toiletries to the elderly community and raised money on behalf of the foodbank. Within Cadets he also led by example throughout the pandemic, encouraging others to take part in online training and health and wellbeing initiatives.
In July 2020 Ciaren was out on his bike when he saw a man lying on the ground and in need of assistance. On approaching and realising the man wasn’t well his first aid training kicked in as he instantly took control of the situation.
Ciaren spoke to the man on the ground and established he had chest pain and couldn’t breathe. He moved the stricken man into a comfortable position and continued to talk to him after calling an ambulance.
The emergency services advised Ciaren to get the defibrillator unit from the nearby school, in case they needed it. He asked a passer-by to fetch it for him while he stayed with the man and kept him calm before the paramedics arrived and took over.
When the paramedics arrived, they said Ciaren had done everything perfectly and probably saved the man’s life as they suspected he was having a heart attack.
Brigadier Stuart Williams OBE, said: "To see Cadets Chris Johnson and Ciaren Adam receiving the British Citizen Youth Award is fantastic news for them and the wider Army Cadets family. Chris and Ciaren are truly remarkable individuals and this level of recognition marks them out for who they are - amazing citizens and leaders within their wider communities."
Chris and Ciaren’s achievements follow Ben Harbottle and Amy Barbour who both also received a BCyA at a formal presentation at the Palace of Westminster last year.