Yorkshire’s most courageous children have been honoured at a prestigious ceremony and Dewsbury’s very own Megan Rodd was one of those rewarded for her hard-work in aid of Leeds Rugby Foundation.
Guests gathered at the Royal Armouries, in Leeds, to see the young winners take to the stage at the Yorkshire Children of Courage.
Megan, six, was dubbed as the kindest girl in Britain after she recently climbed Ben Nevis with Ronnie the Rhino for Leeds Rugby Foundation, raising £2,000 in the process. That came on the back of taking part in a sponsored walk, as well as a number of bag packs, cake sales and lots more fundraising initiatives all in aid of changing lives through sport with Leeds Rugby Foundation.
You can still make a donation to Megan and Leeds Rugby Foundation by visiting: http://www.justgiving.com/michelle-rodd.
And now Megan has rightly received a prestigious Yorkshire Post Children of Courage Fundraiser Award for her selfless hard-work.
Leeds Rugby Foundation recently won the Foundation of the Year award at the recent Man of Steel Super League awards, but that award would not have been possible without the likes of Megan.
Lucy Owen, CEO of Leeds Rugby Foundation commented:
"We can't thank Megan enough," she said.
"The Leeds Rugby Foundation can't continue its great work, changing lives, without the help of people like Megan.
"She has made a real difference to people in the local community and she is a real inspiration to children and adults alike. This award is truly deserved.”
The charity night was attended by some of Yorkshire’s top names in entertainment and from the sporting world. Among those present were Olympian Hannah Cockroft and Yorkshire’s director of cricket, Martyn Moxon. From the world of showbiz, panto star Billy Pierce and the Chuckle Brothers were on hand to add to the fun.
The aim of the event, held for the third time, is to raise money to help youngsters living difficult lives, as well as to acknowledge those children in our region who have shown courage in dealing with difficult circumstances.
It was co-hosted by Jack Carroll, a previous winner who went on to be runner-up in ITV showBritain’s Got Talent. Hosting alongside him was BBC Breakfast business journalist Steph McGovern.
About 700 people were in New Dock Hall to see Megan and the other worthy winners crowned and the night is expected to have raised £60,000.
Helen Oldham, managing director of the Yorkshire Post, media partner for the awards, said: “These awards recognise the huge courage and resilience of some of the youngest members of our communities and go some way towards giving them the recognition that they so richly deserve.”