Joe Shaw

Joe is an extremely deserving young man who is such a pleasure to know. I met Joe 2 years ago when I started working in Kirkby as a community development worker. Despite being only 15 he is mature beyond his years and takes responsibility seriously.

Joe has two younger sisters Amy and Katy who both have special needs, Amy more severely than Katy. This puts a lot of pressure on Joe and his family. Pressure which for many young people would lead them to some negative forms of behaviour. Joe on the other hand is a constant source of help to his family. He is always there for both his parents and his sisters when they are in need, often acting as a carer for Amy.

Despite this Joe never appears to complain, in fact he still has more to give. He helps out as a junior leader with one of our kids clubs and also helps at another of our projects; TANGO.

Joe has also just taken all his GCSE's and has a place at college for September. He is truly an inspirational young person and the world would be a better place if there were more people like Joe in it.

It would be lovely for Joe's generosity and selflessness to be recognised in a way that is something special for him. I believe that having the opportunity to be an olympic torchbearer would be such an opportunity for him and would be something very special.