Since the age of 13, Joshua has acted as a full-time carer for his mother who has a complex mental health disorder. He is patient, supportive, and determined to provide happiness and stability to his family. On top of his full-time caring responsibilities and studies, Joshua also works part-time to support the family, as well as acting as a mentor to other young carers going through similar situations.

Jonjo is an inspiring 15 year old who dedicates much of his time to fundraise for The Bobby Moore Fund in memory of his Nan who passed away from bowel cancer and his football hero, Bobby Moore. His fundraising total now exceeds £300,000 and the charity he works with estimates he has generated over £1m in public awareness; saving more lives than he will ever know.

Brooke is a courageous fundraiser, raising thousands of pounds for the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charit, having been treated there since birth for a spinal condition. When told she couldn’t take part in physical activity for a year following spinal surgery, Brooke created the Forbidden Mile; encouraging family, friends and her community to take on a one mile challenge, for those who can’t.

Jemima has dedicated countless hours of her time to improving the lives of young people with disabilities through her highly successful Stingrays Swimming Club. Inspired by her brother who has Down’s syndrome, Jemima is passionate about ensuring all young people with a disability are given access to opportunities to keep fit in a fun and stimulating environment.

Elan is an exceptional sportswoman and coach who has helped thousands of young people across Wales build confidence and skills through sport. Dedicating over 1500 hours to coaching multi-sport and netball sessions. Elan is deaf, wears two hearing aids and relies upon lip-reading. Whilst this might be seen as a potential barrier Elan has never let it stand in the way of both her own sporting achievements and inspiring others, saying “if I can gain such skills, anyone can with hard work”.

Amaan has supported over 1000 labourers in the United Arab Emirates from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh who have travelled to the area to work and support their families back home. Amaan raised a task force of students to regularly visit the labourers, serving food during their religious festivals whether they are Muslim, Hindu or Christian. These times are when workers can feel particularly isolated and lonely, as they are away from their families and otherwise unable to celebrate their festivals and ceremonies.

Mercy is a courageous social activist who has used her own personal painful experience of stigma and discrimination to drive her commitment and pursuit of equality for young people living with HIV. Mercy is the current Chair of the Children’s HIV Association’s Youth Committee and uses this role to drive campaigns on behalf of young people living with HIV.

Maya is a spokesperson for young refugees and migrants across the UK. Travelling from Damascus in Syria, Maya arrived in the UK in September 2015 where she was reunited with her father, who was forced to leave their family. Through her determination and passion for making a difference she has not only learned English, but recently gained a place to study Aviation Engineering.

Unable to speak, Jonathan communicates via a spelling board. Through this ground-breaking system he is able to communicate to construct whole pieces of writing, even featuring in The Guardian this year. His blog www.eyecantalk.net inspires thousands of people every day. He started a petition #TeachUsToo, which urges the government to reform the special needs curriculum so that all disabled children have the opportunity to access literacy.

Nikhiya has changed the lives of nearly 6000 underprivileged children, through her initiatives that ensure children across India have the facilities, funds and resources needed to build a better future through education. Through her initiative Bags, Books and Blessings 4200 students have received school supplies including books, bags, uniforms and shoes.

Aged 9, Jaylen decided to make a bold stand after being bullied for having Tourette syndrome and autism. Over the past 10 years Jaylen has spoken to over 185,000 students across 20 states, sharing his experiences of bullying and encouraging his peers to practice tolerance, encourage self-worth and to speak out.

Elsia has made it her mission to ensure the cultural traditions of the Mayan people are not forgotten. Elsia is also breaking the cycle of poverty, by encouraging young people to sell the products they make; contributing to their education and improving their life chances. Elsia’s efforts and tenacity are crucial in ensuring the Mayans’ rich culture is not lost and that young people continue the legacy of their elders.

After being deeply moved by the crisis in Syria, Asha single-handedly conceived Voices Beyond Divisions, a unique music project aimed at bringing together children from different cultural backgrounds, to sing for peace and in the process promote the values of tolerance and respect at the heart of all religious teachings.

Nicholas was born with a large congenital melanocytic nevus. This is classified under the Disability Act and medical terminology as ‘disfigurement’ which Nicholas strongly disagrees with, advocating for facial equality. Nicholas prints hundreds of his own art pieces onto postcards which he physically hands out to the public to advocate for kindness and equality

When Femi was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome at the age of seven, he wondered how it would shape his life. A talented coder and described as one of ‘tomorrow’s engineers,’ Femi set up the South London Raspberry Jam to share his passion for computing with other young people with autism and Tourette syndrome.

At just nine years old, Faith launched the charity Cuddles for Cancer. During her treatment, Faith’s aunt told her how she got very cold, so Faith made her a fleece blanket to provide comfort, warmth and love. To date Faith has made over 3000 blankets, which have been sent across the world, providing comfort to those who need it the most.

Dervla helped setting up The Enda Dolan Foundation after her brother Enda, was killed in a road accident. Enda was a keen athlete, guitarist and budding architect. The foundation was established to keep his memory alive and inspire others through his love for life. She has witnessed first-hand the positive effect of sport on physical and mental health which drives her to continue.

After losing both parents in the same year, Garreth has been a pillar of support to his siblings. Garreth selflessly helps other children in Kinship Care by talking about his family’s experience in a positive way. He has shown bravery by facing his own emotions and troubles to help younger children work through theirs. Garreth is described as ‘giving hope to everyone he meets’.

Mathew is an anti-bullying ambassador and mentor. He has raised awareness on cyber, sexual, homophobic, physical, and psychological bullying. He is open and approachable about his experience being bullied and how he struggled with his own confidence and self belief. Teachers and staff at his school describe Mathew as always going one step beyond what is expected of him, ensuring that everyone else’s needs come before him.