George is proud to be announced as a nominee for the Radio One Teen Hero awards and hopes that it will inspire lots of people to raise money for children like him. He would like to use this opportunity to all those people who helped him with his fundraising over the past four years.

George’s Story

George is 13 years old and was diagnosed with a brain tumour in October 2008 aged 9. He underwent 48 weeks of gruelling chemotherapy as part of his treatment however with his positive attitude and his caring nature he kept on noticing that other children were 'more poorly' than himself and became determined to help them.

Since then, on his own road to recovery he has raised £50,000 for Candlelighters a local cancer charity. He is a cheerful, enthusiastic and determined young man who inspires all he meets.

His own personal challenge was to be able to play Rugby again despite doctors explaining that this was unlikely. George started playing Rugby again in September 2009, after being given special dispensation by the RFU to play two years down. George finally completed his comeback in April 2012 when he played a full game for Wetherby U13's - 3 years 4 months after his previous match with his teammates

This achievement is testament to a remarkable young man who has battled this illness with constant bravery. Sport was his own motivation and kept his hope alive, now through his charity work he gives others similar hope.

George has previously been awarded the Stray FM Ultimate Hero award, , the Yorkshire Evening Post Child of Bravery award and Youngster of the Year in the Yorkshire Young Achievers Awards. However, the crowing highlight was when he was one of the first people in the UK nominated to be an Olympic bearer for the 2012 Olympics

He continues to work to raise money for Candlelighters and always has a smile on his face, while slowly increasing his fitness levels. Like most chldren who have had cancer, his recovery will continue over many years to come.

Gavin Davies, Chairman of Wetherby Junior said: “George has been an inspiration to the whole club. Watching the way he has dealt with his illness and his determination to play again was something to behold. Twelve months ago he used to come down in his wheelchair to watch his mates. To see him back in his favourite position of hooker is something that many of us thought might not be possible”

Tom Gooden of Pure Physio in Harrogate worked with George almost every week over an 18 month period. His comments are as follows “ I can honestly say he is one of the most remarkable people I have ever met. Not once over the months that I have had the privilege to know him has he complained about his plight or ever given less than 100 percent in any of our gruelling rehabilitation sessions. What sets George apart from other people is the number of people who have been inspired by George and taken action. Over 900 people have either taken part in an event or donated to his fundraising efforts over the past 4 years.