Caring Kieron nominated for award for being a true friend

It is something that he does naturally and does not regard as special, but it means a lot to pal William Meachem.

Now Kieron has been put forward for Bedfordshire Young People of the Year, sponsored by Central Bedforshire Council among others. At the age of 10, he is one of the youngest people ever nominated for a YOPEY award.

Kieron, of Bradford Way, Toddington, was nominated by Bhavani Sarma, who lives opposite and daily sees his kind actions.

She first noticed his kindness when moving to the village three years ago and he helped her son Aswin settle in at St George’s Lower School.

Because of his condition William can walk only short distances, having to use a wheelchair at other times. Kieron takes over from William’s mum, Kirsty, at the gates of Parkfields Middle School inthe village and pushes him into the school.

“Kieron is always considerate of William’s physical limitations and gives up his time to ensure William is always included in the group, whatever activity they may be undertaking,” said Bhavani.

She described him as a very energetic boy who loves to run, climb and explore but who slows down for his pal.

This was best demonstrated at Aswin’s 10th birthday party at Stockwood Discovery Centre in Luton. While the other boys ran about, Kieron pushed William’s wheelchair and stayed with him throughout. “Kieron’s a lovely child who does a brilliant job looking after William,” she added.

Kirsty said: “Kieron has made a big difference to William’s life for which he and I are grateful. Kieron genuinely cares about William and makes sure he has the same experiences at school by making sure that he is included.

“The two boys recently went on a school residential weekend and shared a room with William’s official carer next door. It was great for William being able to buddy up on their first time away from home. It meant a lot to him.”

Kirsty said Kieron calls at their home every morning and walks alongside to the school. He then pushes William through the gates so that he has some independence with the other children.

Kieron, who has known William since their first year at school, was pleased to be nominated, and explained why he helped.

“It’s not fair for him not to be able to get around,” he said. “I just talk to him while I’m pushing him to make him feel a bit happier and so that he is involved in what is going on.

“I just think I’m doing something normal. I don’t regard it as special.”

He was proud that William managed to take part in outdoor activities on the residential weekend, that included rock climbing, dragon boat racing and raft building, with assistance from instructors.

This is the seventh time a YOPEY competition has been held in Bedfordshire to reveal, recognise and reward positive role models who go the extra mile to help others. The winner will receive a prize of £800 ­–half for themselves and half for a good cause ­ out of a total pot of £2,000. There will be other prizes similarly shared.

>Do you know somebody who deserves the title Young Person of the Year in Bedfordshire? To nominate logon to yopey.org or write, enclosing an SAE, to YOPEY, Woodfarm Cottage, Bury Road, Stradishall, Newmarket CB8 8YN.