Danielle joins growing list of county's top youngsters (From Watford Observer)

Danielle joins growing list of county's top youngsters

3:54pm Tuesday 21st August 2012 in News By Rebecca Perring, Reporter

A keen runner from Garston has put herself in the running to be recognised for her charity fundraising and contributions to her community radio station. 

Danielle McCall, 16, nominated herself for the University of Hertfordshire Young People of the Year award, (YOPEY), which highlights the hard work of young people in their community.

So far Danielle has taken part in a 10k race in Watford’s Cassiobury Park, where she raised £115 in sponsorship for Watford Mencap and the 5k Race for Life in June, raising £40 for Cancer Research.

Interested in radio, Danielle, of The Phillipers, is also active in volunteering for Watford’s Vibe 107.6 radio station, after reading a piece about it in a magazine.

She said: "I haven't got a lot of money myself, so I can't just donate money. Therefore by doing these runs, I am able to get donations off other people, raising more money than I could just donate."

Danielle spends up to 10 hours a week attending events, explaining the work of Vibe and encouraging others to get involved. Sometimes this involves broadcasting from events.

Jamie Smith, events and marketing manager at the station in charge of promotions, said: "I can’t speak highly enough of her. She has done everything we wanted and more.

"Because she has been so successful, we have given Danni extra responsibility in supervising and motivating other young volunteers to get involved.

"Danni is very determined and confident with good leadership skills. She works extremely hard and has a good positive attitude."

On top of this, last summer Danielle volunteered at a club for elderly disabled people at a community centre near her home, where she engaged with club members and helped provide refreshments and activities. She is also in the process of completing her Duke of Edinburgh’s silver award.

Danielle said she is concerned at the negative images and stereotypes of teenagers that can be created.

She said: "If I see an elderly person struggling and I go to help them and they seem quite frightened because they think bad things about young people.

"There are some bad teenagers, but they may not have received the help they needed.            
              
"Most young people I know are fine and would help those who need it."

Danielle is set to go to sixth form at Francis Combe Academy in Garston and then hopes to go to university to create a pathway to a career in radio.

The YOPEY contest was created by former national newspaper journalist Tony Gearing, to give younger generations a fairer image and encourage young people to give to the community.

YOPEY is searching for young heroes in and around Hertfordshire and the Herts Young Person of the Year will win £800, with £400 for themselves and £400 for their good cause.

The awards ceremony will be hosted by The University of Hertfordshire in November.

To nominate a young person for YOPEY, log on to yopey.org or write to YOPEY, PO Box 236, Newmarket CB8 1DP for a paper entry form.