Young Hero Award recognition for Harrison and his All Saints classmates
There are some stories that capture the very best of our schools, and the recognition of Harrison and his classmates from All Saints, is undoubtedly one of them.
Last week, Harrison accepted the Young Hero Award on behalf of his class at the BBC BBC Somerset Sound Radio Bristol Radio Somerset Make a Difference Awards at Taunton's Brewhouse theatre, following an extraordinary community fundraising effort that brought together pupils, families, staff and supporters behind a cause close to their hearts. He was support3d at the event by class teacher Helen Smith, Headteacher Sharon Bowditch, mum and dad Jess and Ben, grandparents Julie and Graham, and brother Freddie.
What followed was a remarkable demonstration of friendship and community spirit.
Dressed as superheroes, because they believed Harrison was a superhero himself, the children completed a 7km fundraising walk and inspired the wider community to get involved. Together, they raised more than £4,000 for Young Lives vs Cancer, helping the charity continue its vital work supporting children, young people and families facing cancer diagnoses and treatment.
The impact of the project extended far beyond fundraising. It demonstrated empathy, leadership and resilience from a group of young children who understood the importance of standing alongside a friend during a difficult time.
Their efforts were recognised by judges of the BBC Radio Somerset Make a Difference Awards, with Harrison collecting the Young Hero Award on behalf of the class.
As part of the award, Gladiators star Apollo, who judged the category, recorded a special message for the children.
He said:"Your superhero walk wasn't just about raising £4,000 for Young Lives vs Cancer, it was about showing your friend and his family that they weren't alone."
The story of Harrison and his classmates has touched many people because it reflects values that sit at the heart of our schools: kindness, courage, service and community.
While the award may have been presented last week, the real achievement began many months ago when a group of children decided they wanted to make a difference for a friend. Their actions brought a whole community together and provided support not only for Harrison and his family, but for many others facing similar challenges.
Everyone across Bath & Wells Multi Academy Trust is immensely proud of Harrison, his classmates, the staff who supported them and the families who joined them on this journey.
This award is a wonderful recognition of what they achieved, and a reminder of the extraordinary difference that young people can make when they choose to support one another.