Award-winning teenager is "an inspiration to all young people"

Highly commended in this category were Harvey Goodman and Evie McCoy.

Paddington resident Thomas began his Duke of Edinburgh journey in 2019 where he completed his bronze award at King’s Leadership Academy.

The 18-year-old, who lives on Sergeant Drive, developed his skills as a player and a coach and took part in the National Cipher Challenge to enhance his computer skills before completing an expedition to Delamere Forest – having never camped or cooked before!

Thomas progressed onto the silver award where he developed his Spanish speaking skills and continued as a volunteer at Warrington Wildcats as well as taking part in an expedition to the Yorkshire Dales.

A spokesman for the Warrington Wildcats said: “Thomas is turning into a fine coach that players want to play for.

“I have no doubt he will continue to develop his skills and could be a successful coach at higher levels.

“He has always shown great leadership - imparting values of teamwork and sportsmanship.”

Thomas is now working towards the gold award at Carmel College.

Junior Fundraiser of the Year Thomas Burrows with Leanne Campbell and Warrington mayor Cllr Steve Wright

The nomination for Thomas said: “Thomas has gone above and beyond by applying to be one of the charity’s UK Youth Ambassadors.

“In June last year, he was selected as one of 34 young people, aged 16-24, to join the ambassador programme, representing the charity for a period of 12 months on a voluntary basis.

“DofE youth ambassadors are positive and inspiring young people who have completed at least one level of the award, and they share a commitment to supporting other young people, like themselves, to take part.

“Thomas really embodies the spirit of a youth ambassador, doing a fantastic job of supporting the charity by attending in-person and online events, as well as skills building workshops and focus groups.

“As part of the programme, ambassadors represent the voice of young people today.”

Not only has Thomas been a fantastic spokesperson for the charity, but he also helped to raise money for the DofE by taking part in the 2023 Manchester Half Marathon.

“Thomas has his sights set on a career in cyber security or aerospace engineering, and in his remaining time as DofE Youth Ambassador, he hopes to continue promoting accessibility of the award scheme.

“He really is an inspiration to all young people!”

Thomas, who is studying A Levels in physics, maths and computer science and hoping to do a sponsored masters degree at Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology, said: “It’s so heart warming listening to everybody’s stories and it inspires me to do even more within the community.”