• Thu. Mar 28th, 2024

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Vibe Award for Olivia

Achievement Against the odds in Life 1THE STAR winner of Achievement Against the odds in Life, Olivia Rowell, was presented with her Vibe award by the Mayor of Darlington, Councillor Brian Jones, on Thursday 14 July, in the Mayor’s Parlour, Town Hall, Darlington.

Olivia was unable to attend the Vibe Awards evening that took place last month due to a family holiday.

In 2014 Olivia was diagnosed with a brain tumour and despite intrusive medical treatment, hair loss and vision loss, Olivia has remained positive throughout and kept up with her school work and studies. Her college manager Fiona Cairns is so proud of her:  “She just grafted every day and, despite still having tumours, as a student leader she mentors and supports younger students and wants to start raising money for cancer charities.”

Olivia said: “I was really shocked to be nominated and surprised to win the award. I can’t thank my college manager Fiona Cairns enough. She has given me lots of support.”

Olivia’s dad, Mark Rowell, who has taken part in a range of fundraising events for Olivia and who hopes to complete an Iron Man challenge, added:

“Olivia has been so brave, we are very proud of her. She battled through her illness and has managed to take nine GCSEs.

“When she was first diagnosed at the age of 14, it was a complete bombshell for us all. In the space of 18 months Olivia has endured 11 procedures including an operation to remove 85% of one of the tumours, chemotherapy, heart surgery and countless rides in ambulances.

“We were delighted with the Vibe Award nomination and pleased that the Mayor was able to present Olivia with her award.”

Olivia was well enough to attend her Hummersknott School prom at Hardwick Hall recently and is hoping to continue her studies at Carmel 6th Form where she wants to study English Language, Textiles and Media with the hope of a career as a fashion designer.

The Vibe Awards have been celebrating the very best of young people in Darlington for 20 Years. Dozens of individuals and groups were nominated across four categories. As in previous years, nominations were shortlisted by a panel led by young people and the principal sponsor Darlington Building Society.

The Categories, all for ages 10 to 19, included: Contribution to the Community; Contribution to the Arts; Achievement Against the Odds in Life; Achievement Against the Odds in Learning and Shining Star.

In just the last nine years, more than 3,000 children and young people have been recognised for the tremendous steps they have taken to achieve their goals to change their lives and those around them. Previous nominees have gone on to complete impressive achievements, such as completing a charity cycle from Lands’ End to John O’Groats and being youth leaders for Rainbow, Brownie and Guide groups and being an inspiration to other youngsters.

The Mayor of Darlington, Councillor Brian Jones, said: “The Vibe awards celebrate the fantastic qualities and achievements of our young people and I am delighted to step in and present Olivia with her well-deserved award. She is an incredible young person.”

Colin Fyfe, chief executive of Darlington Building Society, said:  “Darlington Building Society is very proud to be principal sponsor of the Vibe Awards.  Darlington is quite rightly proud of the young people who are its future and, while only a few can actually win an award, there is a wealth of talent and achievement across the town that is rightly being honoured and recognised by the Vibe Awards.”

The presentation event was supported by principal sponsor Darlington Building Society; category sponsors The Northern Echo, Latimer Hinks Solicitors, Darlington College, QE Sixth Form, Sherwood’s Chevrolet, PCT and Durham Constabulary and performance sponsors Darlington Lions.

By admin