Charlie is an inspiration to us all (From Halesowen News)

Charlie is an inspiration to us all

9:20am Tuesday 9th February 2010

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AN INSPIRING Navy cadet from Worcester has overcome health problems to win a prestigious award.

Tudor Grange Academy pupil Charlie Cooper, who lives in the city centre, has been awarded the Chris Tugwell Memorial Trophy for charity work and encouraging younger cadets.

The 13-year-old, who was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy three years ago, helped set up a Skills for Action service with her cadet unit, TS Victory in Worcester.

Early in 2009, the youngster organised a three-mile sponsored swim and also took part in a 10-mile walk to raise funds for a headstone for Jade Tyler.

Jade, from Warndon, Worcester, died in tragic circumstances in January last year. Charlie helped raise more than £1,500 towards the headstone.

Captain Richard Tyrrell, of the Navy Training Corps, said: “This young lady was instrumental in our starting TS Victory at Tudor Grange Academy, and has acted as a mentor to her fellow peers at this unit.

“I have had the pleasure of attending TS Victory on a number of occasions, where I have seen Charlie passing on her knowledge and encouraging her fellow cadets.

“She is a kind, compassionate, enthusiastic, patient young lady who is willing to help where ever she is able to, and this is a rarity in this day and age.

“Charlie is always the first to volunteer herself for fund-raising for the Navy Training Corps.

“She has attended every open day both locally and nationally, and is instrumental in recruiting new cadets.

“I know that Charlie suffered with Bell’s palsy three years ago, and the effect that this had on her confidence and self-esteem, as her peers did not understand about her ailment.

“She has picked herself up and thrown herself into helping others and she should be commended for this.”

Charlie’s mum Jackie said: “I am so proud of her. This award just goes to show that problems can be overcome and fantastic achievements can be made.”

She was presented with the Chris Tugwell Memorial Trophy earlier this month by the Mayor of Gloucester, Councillor Chris Witts at TS Bulldog Navy Training Corps unit in Gloucester.

Chris Tugwell was a police officer from Cheltenham, but worked all over the Midlands both in the police force and through his involvement with youth in the community activities.

Mr Tugwell died at a young age from cancer and his family donated the trophy to keep his memory alive.

For more information about joining the Navy Training Corps, visit navytrainingcorps.org

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