PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPIL OF THE YEAR

NAME – Owen Sharples

AGE – 11 years

SCHOOL – Whittlefield Primary

BASED – Tabor Street, Burnley

PUPIL NUMBERS – 222

VISION/MISSION – Dream, Believe, Achieve

THE word “inspirational” is often overused, but not in Owen Sharples’ case. When his dad died from cancer last year he decided he wanted to help other families going through a similar ordeal.

So he started to raise money for Rosemere Burnley Chemotherapy Unit.

It’s hard to believe he’s still only 11 years old.

Owen sat with his mum Nicola for hours on end at Burnley General Hospital when his dad Matthew was being given chemotherapy treatment.

“My mum and I found it hard as dad’s chemotherapy could last six or seven hours and we couldn’t all sit with him when he was having treatment so I want to make a difference.

“I want it so all families can be there. We couldn’t but I want to help so other families can,” he said.

He’s carried out a sponsored walk; spoken in assemblies at Whittlefield Primary about the fundraising and was instrumental in organising a charity walk around Whittlefield.

All of these things made him a clear winner in this category, sponsored by First Class Learning.

Owen’s head teacher Helen Kershaw said: “We are so proud of Owen. He is on our school council and he wanted to do something for Rosemere.

“He has been preparing for SATS but has coped really well and is an inspiration to us all.”

Rosemere Cancer Foundation – which has just raised the £100,000 needed for the new unit at Burnley – also added their praise for Owen saying he shows ‘fantastic maturity. He is really inspirational.’ But the last word should go to Owen.

He said: “Winning the award means a lot to me but I wouldn’t be who I am today without the support of school, friends and family.

“My dad was funny and tall.

“I miss him but I want to make a difference and help others. I hope I can raise a lot of money.”