Inspirational children and young people who have overcome adversity to succeed against the odds were honoured at the annual Mansfield Rotary Courage Awards.

Eleven recipients for 2025 were nominated by their school or college for exemplifying moral and spiritual courage in the face of difficulty.

Now in its 34th year, the event was hosted at Portland College, Mansfield, in front of the young people’s families, teachers, and many special guests.

The 11 award winners were congratulated by the mayor of Mansfield, Andy Abrahams; the president of Mansfield Rotary, Rotn Phil Lyons; and special guest, Mansfield Paralympic star Charlotte Henshaw.

Paracanoeist Charlotte (below), who won two gold medals at the 2024 Paralympics and is a world champion, gave an inspirational talk.

They all demonstrated the message that whatever is thrown your way, you can do things, you can succeed, and you can achieve — and success is measured by your own rules, you don’t have to conform to what society tells you is success.

It might be overcoming anxieties, living with serious illnesses, coping with an accident or incident, or even simply raising a smile.

The 11 young people — Nathan Baldwin, Paige Carlton, Cody Crowther, Matthew French, Maisie Hunt, Michael Morris, Dylan Staley, sisters Mia Thompson and Abbi Thompson, Maisie Wright and Yevhen Yunak — received an engraved plaque from the Rotary president and a civic citation from the mayor.

Mansfield Rotary president Phil Lyons said: “Thirty-four years ago the then president of Mansfield Rotary, Rotn Mike Neville, used this definition at the very first Courage Awards. Successive presidents have been unable to better it:

Courage is often described as the ability to conquer fear or despair.
But courage is not only showing bravery in the face of danger, more often courage is the day-to-day determination and hard work of dealing with, adjusting to, and hopefully overcoming, the obstacles and harsh realities that life may present.
It is a quality of mind, enabling one to face that hardship with resolution — a resolution with power and spirit.
The power to make choices and set goals and to act upon them firmly without renouncing those objectives. The spirit to let that courage succeed by the behaviour and attitude shown to the world about them.

“That courage has been exemplified by all the young people here, but not only by those who have been nominated, but also by the parents, siblings, grandparents, and carers of these amazing young people who share in their lives and live with their difficulties.”

Phil thanked staff, teachers, parents, and students from the schools and organisations represented for their time, effort, and enthusiasm for the awards.

He also explained how the Courage Awards has its origin in Mansfield, Ohio (USA) where that city’s Rotary began its programme in 1968, when a retired Salvation Army brigadier, Rotn William McGowan, saw the need to honour worthy students not usually selected for awards — and thus the Mansfield Ohio Courage Award programme started.

It continues to this day and what one Mansfield club started in the USA, another is continuing in England.

After the event, one of the guests said: “It was a most humbling evening, highlighting the great work that Mansfield Rotary and its supporters do in the Mansfield area.”

Les Marshall, of Education Mutual, was thanked for his unstinting support in sponsoring the event for a 12th time.

Guests also included assistant district governors of Rotary District 1220, Rotn Paul Jones and Rotn Sophie Leadley, of the Rotary Club of Nottingham, together with members of Mansfield Inner Wheel Club and the district chairman of Inner Wheel.

Also present were several local recipients of the Paul Harris Fellowship from Mansfield Rotary. The fellowship is awarded to people who have made a significant contribution to the community, and Rotary president Phil Lyons said they were wonderful examples of those who put service above self.

Kerry Vardy, of Mansfield District Council was thanked for her help in organising the civic citations.

Tables were sponsored by Fidler & Pepper, Hall-Fast Industrial Supplies, Lighting Project Solutions, Mansfield Building Society, Mansfield Garage Doors, Portland College, Plastek UK, SWG Properties, Total Integrated Systems, and Tyler Bros Ltd.

Ellen Gent, of The Rose Bower, Outram Street, Sutton, provided floral gifts for the parents and carers of each nominee.

The 11 people honoured were:

Nathan Baldwin
(APTCOO)
A beacon of determination, resilience, and positivity. That is how incredible Nathan is described by Michaela Ledsham, headteacher, at A Place To Call Our Own (APTCOO).
Nathan has overcome so much in life already, but never complains and, instead, comments on how he likes to bring laughter into the lives of others.
He is a true friend to his peers at APTCOO and they have embraced him wholeheartedly.
Aged just six, Nathan was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma — a brain tumour — that was treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and cranium/spinal radiotherapy.
The tumour left Nathan with an acquired brain injury. In addition to this, the long-term effects of complex treatment that Nathan received have resulted in chronic fatigue syndrome, which can make his day in school tiring.
Michaela said that despite these problems, the 16-year-old never complains and his attendance at APTCOO is exemplary.
“He brings so much fun, laughter, and joy into our school environment,” she added. “Everyone who meets Nathan is impressed by his knowledge of IT — his favourite subject at school — and his hobby of radio presenting.
“So much so that we call upon his knowledge within school if we need a ‘techy’ problem sorting out.”
Staff at APTCOO say they are privileged to nurture Nathan because his previous school experiences have not been entirely positive.
But he now talks about how he feels a sense of belonging and acceptance within the school community — and the school community could not be happier that he has now found ‘A Place To Call His Own!’
Away from school, the Harworth teenager enjoys computer gaming, radio presenting, and listening to music by Nickelback.
He hopes to turn his love and skill for presenting into a career with a large radio station or to become a famous YouTube content creator.

 

Paige Carlton
(The Samworth Church Academy)
Resilient Paige has made her school and staff unbelievably proud because of her spectacular journey of growth and personal development since starting the Sixth Form.
Paige struggled at the start of Year 12 with high levels of anxiety and there was a point where teachers and staff thought she would not be able to continue with her studies.
However, 18-year-old Paige has proved them all wrong!
Learning manager Keshia Milne, head of Sixth Form Laura Jones, Year 13 lead, Rebeka Dunn, and Year 12 lead Alice Brashaw, who nominated Paige for the award, together with other members of school staff, said her resilience and courage have made her into a stronger person.
“Her confidence is unrecognisable compared to the start of Sixth Form, and whenever we see her now, she is grinning from ear to ear.
“Not only that, Paige is excelling in her A-Level subjects and without doubt will be attending university next year. We are so unbelievably proud of Paige.”
The teenager, whose favourite song is Us by Gracie Abrams and Taylor Swift, loves spending her free time reading, and really enjoys sociology lessons.
She said her teacher, Mr Vallance, and the class make the lessons fun and enjoyable.
Paige enjoys the structure of the content, for example each topic has theories, social groups, etc, which she finds interesting.
She is aiming to go to university to study English Literature and hopes to do something related to that in the future.

 

Cody Crowther
(Queen Elizabeth’s Academy)
Cody has shown great determination as he continues to recover from an operation to remove a brain tumour.
Ceri Graham, who oversees his day-to-day care at the academy, explained how Cody was diagnosed with the brain tumour in the summer of 2023.
He had an operation to remove it in September 2023, but is fighting back.
“Even though he struggles with extreme tiredness daily and has missed a huge amount of school. Cody is now nearly back at school full-time and is achieving great things in his lessons,” added Ceri.
At Queen Elizabeth’s Academy, Cody enjoys design technology. having always been fascinated with designing things. He also loves baking.
In the future Cody would like to go to college and university, and possibly have a career as a professional chef or baker. Alternatively, working in design or music also appeals to him.
The 12-year-old, whose favourite song is Thriller by Michael Jackson, enjoys playing board games, drawing, and loves reading.

 

Matthew French
(Portland College)
Matthew has had to face many medical problems — but his can-do attitude shines through it all as he just looks for ways to overcome his disabilities and succeed.
Portland College tutor David Motteram said: “Matthew’s middle name should be can-do.
“He has started a work placement as part of his supported internship at Calke Abbey, working in the café serving customers using his rollator, clearing tables, and using the till.
“He has quickly become part of the team and has a can-do attitude. He is always positive and looks for ways to overcome his disabilities, such as when presented with steps that meant he couldn’t access the top part of the café. Now he goes outside and accesses the area through a fire door!
“He uses his rollator to both take food out to customers and clear away used crockery, and customers are very appreciative of his can-do attitude.
“That outlook has never been so evident as when Matthew embarked on his Duke of Edinburgh Silver award. Over two expeditions he displayed courage on a minute-by-minute basis, ensuring he kept himself safe at all times.
“Despite all the barriers that were in place, Matthew managed to smash through them all and complete his award, something he is very proud of.
“And on a daily basis he undertakes very strict routines to help keep him safe and well.”
The supported internship work placement at Calke Abbey is now Matthew’s favourite part of college life, away from his Coalville home — and his hopes for the future include gaining employment in hospitality and catering.
Away from college studies, Matthew is interested in cars, cooking, and bike riding, while his favourite songs are Roar by Katy Perry and Stronger by Kelly Clarkson.

 

Maisie Hunt
(Reach Mansfield)
Determined Maisie is a warm, friendly person who has been nominated for her determination and adaptability.
Maria Williams, centre manager at Reach Mansfield, said Maise was put forward for the accolade because she has adapted well to all the challenges she is facing in her life.
“We love having her at Reach Mansfield,” Maria added. “She is such an amazing individual, who can bring joy to all with her fantastic smile and enthusiasm.”
“Maisie has a slight hearing loss and does need assistance when out and about in the community, but this never stops her making friends.”
The young person often struggles with anxiety issues, which can impact on her everyday life, resulting in her worrying and finding it difficult to concentrate.
Maria explained how she also sometimes struggles with her emotions and, at times, can have quite a stubborn attitude. She appears to get overwhelmed in some circumstances, which results in her becoming distressed, but Maisie is finding ways to overcome negative emotions.
Physically Maisie can sometimes appear to struggle with exercise/movements, such as dance, but she always has a ‘give-it-a-go attitude’.
And the young person hopes to fly high in the future and go on a big aeroplane in the future.
Maisie attends the computer sessions, performing arts group, and art and baking sessions at Reach Mansfield.
“She’s made many friends at the centre and we all hope she continues to thrive and enjoy life,” Maria added.
Maise, who enjoys watching basketball, colouring at home, and listening to music, said she likes seeing all her friends and spending time with her family.

 

Michael Morris
(R.E.A.L. Education)
Having the courage to reach out for help has enabled Michael to make positive strides towards a better future.
For the majority of his childhood, Michael has been a young carer for his mum.
However, he did not disclose how bad things had been for him until very recently, when he showed that courage and bravery to share his story and finally reach out for help.
Now, despite going through a very turbulent time, the 14-year-old is accepting the support of adults around him and beginning to see that he can grow into adulthood and look forward to the future.
R.E.A.L. Education has worked tirelessly to raise Michael’s self-esteem and he is now exploring the idea of maybe going into engineering when he leaves education.
Deputy headteacher Laurie Akroyd, who nominated the teenager for the recognition, said quite simply Michael just wants to be happy and continue to make good progress.
His favourite time at R.E.A.L. is when he takes part in forest school. Michael loves anything hands-on and Laurie said he was incredible at the woodwork elements of his forest school learning.
He recently learned how to set fires using only items he can find in the woods and loved that activity.
Ska music and playing on his PS5 is how Michael enjoys his time away from school. His favourite music track is Death of Guitar Pop’s Suburban Ska Club.

 

Dylan Staley
(West Nottinghamshire College)
Honesty and humility are two of the qualities that Dylan has shown in abundance as he turns his life around.
During his two years at the college, Dylan has gained significantly higher grades than at previous schools and his attitude to learning is now a positive experience.
The Mansfield teenager is studying on the Level 2 Intermediate CIMSPA Sport and PA Practitioner Coaching course, having progressed from Level 1.
Programme area leader Scott Corah, who nominated Dylan, said it was important to recognise that he had demonstrated both honesty and humility as he overcomes issues created by his past.
Dylan previously had a tough time in his schooling and admitted his attitude towards education and those who tried to support him became aggressive.
But as the young person has matured, he has reflected on his past and believes those behavioural issues were a direct result of extreme childhood trauma as he grew up, and being exposed to troubling situations.
Now Dylan is making great progress at the college and is inspirational to his peers and those he works with.
Scott said: “To see his enthusiasm when teaching younger children is overwhelming, most recently voluntarily bringing in his Mansfield Harriers clothing to support our sports hall athletics event.
“Dylan remains humble, wanting to learn. To see him acknowledge his mistakes of the past, where he became aggressive at the thought of having to read, to now articulating his work in a variety of creative ways is a delight to see. Dylan is truly an exceptional student.”
A learner rep for the college for two years, he is now the sports department’s lead learner rep — a position that carries enhanced responsibilities — and has looked to establish walks before exams to support student welfare.
It is all a contrast to his difficult time growing up, when Dylan found himself video gaming a lot and living a sedentary lifestyle.
However, as he matured, his love for being in the outdoors, Canadian rock band Nickelback, and admiration towards his father grew immensely, which was directly reflected in Dylan’s more positive approach towards education and better grades.
He now manages his emotions by listening to music, talking to those closest to him and using his time to discover ways to become healthier, while also enjoying competing for Mansfield Harriers as a sprinter.
In class, he was nominated by his peers for student of the term, an accolade given to the individual who best reflects exceeding standards and creating a supportive learning environment.
Dylan is now looking to arrange shared housing because he is excited to live independently.

 

Mia Thompson / Abbi Thompson
(The Joseph Whitaker School)
Sisters Mia and Abbi have shown remarkable determination to become a wonderful legacy to their parents.
In April last year the Thompson family in Rainworth received the news that no family ever wants to hear.
Dad Craig was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and very sadly lost his brave battle just two months later.
In the days and months that followed, his two daughters, Mia and Abbi, have shown a level of courage and resilience that has astounded everyone in the Joseph Whitaker family — both at The Joseph Whitaker School and The Python Hill Academy, where Abbi was formerly a pupil.
They continue to make their mum, Kerrianne, proud every day in everything that they do.
Beth Staley, head of house at The Joseph Whitaker School, who nominated the two girls for the accolade, said: “Mia continues to be an outstanding student, a shining example of our school motto — Proud to Me; Proud to be Us.
“Abbi was also a pupil in one of our primary schools, Python Hill, and they too have commended the courage and resilience of Abbi through this difficult time.
“The two sisters have a wonderful attitude to life and learning, always helping others and being a tremendous part of the community.
“Their dad has left a wonderful legacy in his two, very special daughters.”
Mia, 16, enjoys studying science and would like to become a chemistry teacher. Eleven-year-old Abbi particularly enjoys story writing at school.
Both sisters take part in dancing, Girlguiding, and art.

 

Maisie Wright
(West Nottinghamshire College)
Selfless Maisie has had to grow up fast as she helps her mum care for her siblings — but she never complains, and her family mean everything to her and she would do anything for them.
The teenager’s siblings have a number of complex learning difficulties, but Maisie supports her mum with this on a daily basis at their Church Warsop home, even though it means she often attends college sessions having had very little sleep and already a challenging morning.
For example, she often puts her younger brother on the bus to go to his specialist provision and this is not without a battle, as Maisie will describe at times!
Maisie and mum agree that Maisie has taken on responsibility that many people her age would not have done. She is not annoyed or resentful of this, but thinks of it more as her duty.
Despite all this, she has a good attendance record and is always ready to start her studies with a smile.
Maisie, who is on the GCSE English and maths BOOST programme at the college, agrees that English is not something she finds easy.
The English lead at the college, Claire Sowray, who nominated her, explained: “Maisie has taken the course a number of times and still comes back ready to take on the challenge. She has a never-give-up attitude.
“Maisie will often ask for papers to complete at home and brings them back for feedback.
“She desperately wants to pass the course and move on to the next chapter of her life — which will include remaining at home to support her mum and ensure her siblings get the best in life.”
Maisie readily admits that she hides behind her loud personality, but she has a heart of gold and is the mother figure of her study group.
Claire added: “She really wants to help and support others in her altruistic ways.
“When I look back to my own teenage years, I certainly would not be able to do what Maisie does on a daily basis — so I only have admiration for her.
“In the face of adversity, Maisie continues to flourish and turns up to college with a smile every day.
“She is massively deserving of this nomination because she does not know that what she does is so wonderful. For her, it is the norm.”
In college, Maisie enjoys expressing herself in her English creative writing studies. One day she would like to be a teaching assistant in a school because she would like to help others with their learning and be supportive.
Away from her studies, Maisie’s sporting interests include boxing and her favourite song is Say My Name by Destiny’s Child.

 

Yevhen Yunak
(Meden School)
Resilient Yevhen’s journey is one of extraordinary courage and resilience.
Having had to leave his home in Ukraine, due to the ongoing situation in his country, he has faced challenges that would be incredibly difficult for anyone.
Yet, despite these hardships, Yevhen has shown unwavering determination to succeed and make the most of the opportunities available to him since moving to Warsop Vale and Meden School.
Warren Byrne, associate school leader for student engagement and student leadership, and achievement leader for year 10, nominated Yevhen.
He said the teenager’s commitment to learning was inspiring, adding: “He works tirelessly in every lesson, demonstrating remarkable dedication to improving his language skills so he can fully engage with the curriculum and reach his potential.
“But Yevhen’s impact goes far beyond academics. He has embraced wider school programmes and has even been recognised by the company of former Premier League footballer Ben Osborn, EFD Sport and Education, for his perseverance and determination.”
Away from school, sport is important. He enjoys football and is a Chelsea supporter, goes gym training, and is a member of a taekwondo club in Shirebrook.
In school, Yevhen loves English, discovering a new language and pushing himself to learn language and literature that make him a more articulate person.
His favourite subject is geography, discussing ways to solve world issues and looking at schemes and developments that make the world a better place.
For the future, Yevhen would like to be a politician who could make a huge impact on the world and history.
Warren added: “However, what truly sets Yevhen apart is his unshakeable mental toughness. Rather than dwelling on adversity, he approaches every obstacle as a challenge to overcome, with courage and a growth mindset.
“He never complains, instead inspiring those around him with his strength of character and positive attitude.
“Yevhen is a role model to his peers and a credit to his family, friends, and our entire community.
“His resilience and perseverance make him an outstanding nomination.”