ILMINSTER NEWS: Swanmead student Aidan is town’s Youth Citizen of the Year 2016

SWANMEAD Community School pupil Aidan Upshall has won the annual Youth Citizen of Ilminster award in recognition of his brave and positive attitude following the sudden loss of his dad Gavin.

The award – held in memory of Bradley Cullen – was presented to Aidan by the Mayor of Ilminster, Cllr Rose Neave, during tonight’s (Tuesday, April 19, 2016) annual community assembly held at Greenfylde First School.

“Aidan has been very brave in supporting his mum and brothers following the sudden loss of his dad,” said the Mayor.

“He has also raised funds for an Epilepsy charity and his friends are very proud of him.”

PHOTO – TOP: Aidan Upshall (right) with Tash and Mark Cullen and their son Jake Cullen.

PHOTO – RIGHT: Aidan Upshall with the Mayor of Ilminster, Cllr Rose Neave.

Aidan helped to raise the most ever money in a charity cake sale at Swanmead when – supported by Daniel Baker and others – amassed a staggering £433.50.

Headteacher Mark Walker said: “The money, raised in memory of Aidan’s dad Gavin, has been sent to Epilepsy Action who I know have been delighted to receive it.

“Aidan had a target of £300 so beamed with delight when he learnt of the amount raised.”

Mr Walker added: “His thanks go to all his friends for helping and to Ilminster Town Football Club for their donation and to Tobias Nicholson and James Dicker for giving the money they raised in a previous cake sale.”

There were smiles all round when Aidan received his award tonight from the Mayor who held back the tears as she presented it to him along with Mark and Tash Cullen, the parents of Bradley Cullen.

Bradley, a student at Wadham Community School in Crewkerne having previously been a pupil at Swanmead in Ilminster, died in 2013 at the age of 15 having lived with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Bradley’s brother Jake was also on hand tonight to congratulate Aidan on his award.

PHOTO - ABOVE: A proud moment for all concerned following the annual community assembly at Greenfylde First School in Ilminster on Tuesday, April 19, 2016.

PHOTOS – ABOVE: Aidan Upshall during his record-breaking cake sale at Swanmead School in Ilminster.

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