 TWO Merseyside youngsters who have devoted their lives to helping others are the latest nominees to be put forward for this year’s Anthony Walker Citizenship Trophy. The trophy, awarded for the first time last year, is designed to help keep alive the memory of the Huyton teenager who was murdered in 2005. This year’s accolade will go to another young person in Merseyside who has made an outstanding contribution in their own community. The winner will be presented with their award at the Anthony Walker Foundation Gala Dinner - held in association with Winning Women - at the Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool on Thursday, April 26. Volunteer Maria Hoyle, 18, from Wallasey Village, was nominated by Girl Guide leader Tina Robinson and her daughter Justine, who is Rainbow leader at English Martyrs in Wallasey. Tina said: “Maria first volunteered to help at our Rainbow group when she was 14 as she wanted to give back part of what she had gained when she was the girls’ age. “Maria has developed skills and demonstrates a patience that can only be envied in someone of her age. “She demonstrates a vitality and dignity which can only inspire the girls. Maria is a blend of a fun vibrant teen with a social conscious. “She is a committed Christian spreading her charm and good by example rather than lecture.” Blind singer Andrew Coleman, 21, from Knowsley, has been nominated for the award by his family. His mum Anne Coleman, said: “His disability has made him sympathetic to others needing help. From the age of 11 he has used his singing talent to raise money for causes around Merseyside and abroad. “He appeared at the Royal Albert Hall, to help raise funds for the UNHCR and the refugees of the Sudan by performing a song he had written himself through the eyes of a refugee. “Andrew is a supporter of Nugent Care and he currently has on sale an album of his own music with the profits being donated to them for their important work. “Andrew was assaulted in December 2006 and subsequently needed to undergo eye surgery to save the vision in his left eye. “He is always willing to help worthy causes and he does so without payment. He has never said no to any request for his help.” Other nominees include a 15 year-old youth centre volunteer from Dingle and a 19 year-old musician from Toxteth. This year’s event is being sponsored by the Northwest Regional Development Agency and supported by the Culture Company. Guest speaker will be comedian and charity campaigner Lenny Henry, who will also present the award. Apply for tickets FOR tickets for the Anthony Walker Foundation Gala Dinner - which is being held in association with Winning Women – call 0151 703 1068/1070 or e-mail info@winningwomen.co.uk or michellefiddler@liverpoolecho.co.uk 0151 472 2529 HOW TO NOMINATE Write or email to us your nomination giving details in no more than 250 words about the nominee and why he or she should be nominated for the award. Please be sure to leave your contact details. Nominees must be up to and including 21 years old, aware their names have been put forward, and be available to attend the dinner on April 26. Entries should be sent either by email to michellefiddler@liverpoolecho.co.uk or by post to Anthony Walker Citizenship Trophy, c/o Michelle Fiddler, Liverpool Echo, Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L69 3EB. Closing date for entries is March 30 michellefiddler@liverpoolecho.co.uk | 
Read the article here