'˜Inspirational' teen from Mansfield nominated for county youth award

A 17-year-old from Mansfield has been nominated for a county youth award for being an inspiration whilst living with Crohn's Disease.
Michael George Lowe aged 17 from Mansfield has been nominated for a 4Uth awardMichael George Lowe aged 17 from Mansfield has been nominated for a 4Uth award
Michael George Lowe aged 17 from Mansfield has been nominated for a 4Uth award

Engineering apprentice Michael Lowe, of Chestnut Grove, has been nominated for the 2016 4Uth Awards for being an ‘inspiration to others’ whilst suffering with the disease in recent years.

The teenager is currently working for Mansfield company Ansini, which manufactures technical parts for the likes of Land Rover, Austin Martin and Rolls-Royce.

He also volunteers at the Manor Youth Club, based at Myplace Westfield Folkhouse, in Westfield Lane, Mansfield, where he has been a youth club member for the last three years.

He has been nominated by youth worker Jane Penistone for this year’s awards, managed by Nottinghamshire County Council, to highlight the outstanding achievements of young people across the county.

Councillor Liz Plant, vice-chairman of the children and young people’s committee, said he is “determined to never let his illness affect him”.

She said: “He is working on a specialised apprenticeship that is very technical and challenging.

“Michael is thriving in this environment and really enjoys the work he is doing. 
“He can be very proud that his efforts have been recognised.”

Michael is a well-established member of the senior group, with a lot of friends who have supported him whilst he has been ill over the last five years.

He has had to undergo some evasive and intensive surgery, and the medication he takes does affect him considerably, but he puts on a brave face and does not complain about his condition or the pain he is in.

Michael is described as a very bright, up-beat and positive young man, but he missed out on a lot of education due to his illness.

He has worked hard to finish and complete his schooling and to get the grades he needed at sixth-form college.

Ansini are very supportive of Michael and his medical condition and ensure that he is getting the best support they can offer.

Michael is now also volunteering during the very busy junior session at the Manor Youth Club on Tuesday evenings. He finds this both challenging and rewarding and wants to give something back to others.

Nominations are open now until June 10.

Panels will then shortlist three top nominees and select winners from each district to receive awards at the County Hall on October 28.

For more information, visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/4uth.

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