4Uth 2018 winners
Bassetlaw winner: Lois Wareing
Lois is 16 and lives in Worksop. She was nominated for the award by Steve Scotthorne, youth worker from Carlton-in-Lindrick Youth Club, near Worksop. Steve nominated Lois because of her positive attitude to life in general and in particular to the manner she has worked over the last eight years to overcome setbacks due to serious illness.
At the age of eight she tested positive for Transverse Myelitis. This is a swelling on the spine that causes parts of the body to become paralysed. Lois was informed that she may never be able to walk again.
After spending six weeks in hospital, Lois left in a wheelchair. She has worked really hard on her treatment and has always maintained a positive attitude. She is now walking aided by a crutch and doctors hope with further treatment, she will be able to walk unaided. Steve explains:
“Lois has lived in Bassetlaw all her life and regularly attends the Carlton-in-Lindrick Young People’s Centre. She takes an active role in all activities which have included the Shadow overnight orienteering event in Sherwood Forest, and the Simply Skating event, where she took a mentoring role to the younger members.”
Lois lives at home with mum Lisa, dad Liam, sister Lucy, 19, and half-sister Lauren, 26. Lisa said: “Winning this award is brilliant news! Lois has a lot of friends at the youth club and attending has really built up her confidence. This has really helped her having overcome being really poorly.” Steve concludes:
“Lois is one of the most positive young people I have met and is an inspiration to the staff and members of the youth centre with all she has been through. I'm sure Lois will achieve all her dreams, for she has never been afraid to try new things, and has always had a strong presence in the young people’s centre, supporting both staff and young people in a way that is very much appreciated by all the staff.”
Lois attends North Notts College and is studying health and social care and she hopes to eventually become a midwife or paramedic.
Councillor Tracey Taylor, Vice-Chairman of the Children and Young People’s Committee, at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “Lois has done so much to defy the odds and she is an extremely worthy winner of our 4Uth district award for Bassetlaw.”
