Awards will never forget battler Jake (From thisisoxfordshire)

Awards will never forget battler Jake

6:41pm Friday 10th July 2009

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A children's award has been renamed in memory of teenage cancer victim Jake Spicer, who died earlier this week.

Jake, 15, who lived in Shepherd’s Hill, Greater Leys, Oxford, was the first person to receive the special recognition award at the annual Oxfordshire Youth Awards, but due to his worsening condition it was given to him a week early by GT motor-racing driver Aaron Scott at Helen House hospice in East Oxford.

The St Gregory the Great School pupil died the day before Thursday’s ceremony where inspirational teenagers were recognised for their achievements.

Paul Lawrence, the director of the Oxfordshire Association for Young People, presented the award to Jake’s aunt Tracy Hutt and his four-year-old sister Maddison.

He said: “This was an extra award, created for the most inspiring young person nominated.

“There were so many nominees that could have won, but once we read Jake’s nomination we knew we had found our winner.

“After speaking with Jake’s family, I am pleased to announce that in all future years the special recognition award will be known as the Jake Spicer Special Recognition Award in honour of Jake’s determination and courage.”

The announcement was greeted with a standing ovation, led by members of Jake’s family who had attended the ceremony.

Many in the audience were reduced to tears by Jake’s story.

The youngster died on Wednesday after a five-and-a-half year battle with a rare form of bone cancer, Ewing’s Sarcoma.

Despite the severity of his condition, Jake raised thousands of pounds for local charities and acted as an inspiration for other sick youngsters in the county.

He was nominated by Margo Shoyer from Oxfordshire Hospital School.

After the ceremony Mr Lawrence said: “It was difficult to read what was said about Jake up there, but it was absolutely amazing to know so many members of his family were here.

“It was clear they were very proud of him and it makes me proud to be able to give that kind of award.

“I have so much respect for people like Jake and it is incredible he was able to raise thousands of pounds for others.”

It was the second time the youth awards had taken place, with more than 75 teens nominated for accolades recognising contributions to the arts, sporting world, community, as well as awards for bravery and outstanding achievement.

Mr Lawrence said the event, which cost £8,000 to put on and was funded by grants from Barclays Bank and Oxfordshire County Council, had been a “fantastic success”.

The winners were: Sports Award: Mitchell Roberts, 15, from Bicester, for his work in karate Community Award: The Cherwell School Peer Educators for their work educating young children about drugs Arts Award: Gemma Pearce, 15, from Banbury, for her work volunteering with the Anjali Dance Company, which is made up of people with learning disabilities Individual Bravery Award: Matthew Holder-Wooloff, 15, from Bicester, who was nominated by friends at The Cooper School for dealing with leukaemia Outstanding Individual Achievement Award: Becky Newman, 16, for helping her friend Clare Kilham attend school after she became ill.

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