Caring Gareth proves to be city’s champion
A teenager who has been a positive force for change for care leavers and looked after children has been named as Wolverhampton’s Young Citizen of the Year.
Gareth Rafferty, aged 18, beat off strong competition from six other nominees to win the prestigious award at an event held at the city’s Mayor’s Parlour.
The former Willenhall E-ACT Academy student, from Bilston, has grown up in the care system and has dedicated his time to improving the lives of looked after children.
Gareth, who is co-chairman of the Wolverhampton Care Leavers Forum, said: “It is a fantastic honour winning the award, particularly when you look at the achievements of the other nominees.
“I am now looking forward to representing the city over the coming year and continuing to try and have a positive influence on the lives of children in care.”
Among his many achievements Gareth hosted the city’s Care Leavers week celebrations and met with Ofsted inspectors to discuss children’s services in Wolverhampton.
Councillor Elias Mattu, the Mayor of Wolverhampton, presented Gareth with a commemorative plaque, a cheque for £100 and £500 for the city’s care leavers forum.
The award is in its fourth year and organised by the city’s five Rotary clubs in conjunction with partners’ the Express & Star, Waitrose, Wolves and The Way Youth Zone.
It recognises the achievements of young people in Wolverhampton who have gone that extra mile to help others.
The joint runners up were 14-year-old Youth Council member Darram Koomer, a student at The Royal School, and Amy Nicholas, 18, who received recognition for her work with the Kic FM Kicsters programme.
Other finalists were Kathryn Safrany, 17, Megan Harrison, 18, Amy Richards, 15, and Brandon O’Kelly, 14.
The award is dedicated to the memory of Tom Warren, a former president of the Rotary Club of Wolverhampton and the city’s director of education for 25 years.
Roger Timbrell, chairman of the organising committee, said: “This year’s award saw by far the highest number of entries in its history, and the seven finalists are a credit to the city.
“I wish them all well in their future endeavours.”
