Ambassadors

Steph McGovern

We are privileged to have Steph McGovern, BBC Breakfast Business Journalist and programme co-host, compering the evening again for us:

“It’s all about the children, about those that don’t normally get recognised in the community. It’s the most worthy thing I do every year and it’s really good fun – and the kids are all gorgeous!”

Yorkshire Children of Courage Ambassadors:

Hannah Cockroft MBE

Hannah is a wheelchair racer on the Great Britain Paralympic Athletics team. Her achievements so far include being 5 time Paralympic Champion, 10 time World Champion and the World Record Holder in the T34 classification over 5 distances on the track. She is the most successful British athlete ever on a World Championship stage.

The Chuckle Brothers

Barry Elliott and Paul Elliott are English children’s entertainers, better known as the double-act the Chuckle Brothers. They are known for their work on their BBC show ChuckleVision, which celebrated its 21st series in 2010 with a stage tour titled An Audience with the Chuckle Brothers. The comedy of the Chuckle Brothers usually derives from slapstick and other visual gags, and their catchphrases include “To me, to you” and “Oh dear, oh dear”.

A word from them: “There are no words can express the bravery of these children more than the way they lead their lives. That says it all. Love and good luck to them all. We are all very proud of them.”.

Louis Tomlinson

One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson has kindly agreed this year to be an Ambassador for the first time and the reasons he gave are:

“Children & Yorkshire! Two things close to my heart. It was a very easy yes when I was kindly asked to be an ambassador for the Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards. What these children achieve really is extraordinary, and I look forward to celebrating their bravery, generosity, selflessness and courage.”

Jack Carroll

Jack Carroll is a stand-up comedian, writer and actor who competed in the seventh series of Britain’s Got Talent, finishing runner up.

“I am proud to be associated with the great work done by all at Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards and want to say a huge thank you for all your help and support”.

‘Friends’ of Yorkshire Children of Courage

Over the years we have made many friends amongst the Yorkshire business, entertainment and sporting communities and we are delighted to welcome them to this year’s event:

Kate Hardcastle

Yorkshire born, Kate Hardcastle is a leading name in UK business & philanthropy. A regular expert featured on BBC, ITV & Sky – as well as International media, Kate focuses a high percentage of
time helping charities – particularly working with campaigns for children including Positive Image, Ambassador of the Diana Awards and now a proud friend to Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards.

Jamie Jones-Buchanan

Jamie Jones-Buchanan is an English professional rugby league footballer who plays for Leeds Rhinos in the Super League.

An England International representative second-rower he has played his entire professional career to date with Leeds and has won four super league championships with the club. Jamie has supported Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards for the past 3 years.

Charlotte Newman

Charlotte Newman is the face of the teenage cancer trust.

“I am honoured to be asked to attend the Awards and to be part of an event celebrating and recognising the work the Foundation does as well as acknowledging the children who are so inspiring”.

Christine Talbot

Yorkshire Children of Courage awards are delighted that Christine Talbot, presenter on ITV Calendar, has agreed to become a ‘Friend’ of YCCA. She attended last year’s event and had the following to say:

“I’m delighted to be a friend and supporter of such a great awards ceremony. It’s so good to see youngsters in our region being honoured for the amazing and extraordinary things they have achieved. It is a heart-warming and very special evening in Yorkshire’s calendar. ”

Sir Gary Verity

Sir Gary Verity is the chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire and is credited with bringing the Tour de France to Yorkshire in 2015, an accolade for which he received a knighthood.  He continues to promote the county of Yorkshire and cycling at international level launching the tour de Yorkshire as an annual event.

Claire Young

An entrepreneur and founder of business ‘School Speakers’ the UK’s No.1 speaking agency, working with school, colleges and universities providing talks, workshops and full day activities to young people.

A proud government adviser working on many successful initiatives, including enterprise education, SME growth, employability skills and the women in business agenda.

“YCCA awards event is my favourite Yorkshire event of the year! From start to finish there is an amazing atmosphere celebrating the success of children (and families) living with what many would consider challenging circumstances. Their tenacity, passion for life and sense of humour is an inspiration to everyone. They really do embody a JDI mentality, Just Do It!”.