The Super Hero prize at the Young Hero Awards was this year won by a dedicated youth club volunteer from Bristol.
Alicia March, 12, won the Super Hero award, which was sponsored by Bristol Water, after volunteering at the Ashton Vale Club for Young People.
The category is designed to celebrate a young person who has contributed to the community by volunteering their time freely, showing their commitment to a cause and a willingness to go above and beyond to inspire and help others.
Alicia — who loves animals, football and arts and crafts — first started her volunteering career at the the Ashton Vale Club for Young People in 2023.
After initially joining as a club member, she grew in confidence and quickly began mentoring younger members, teaching dance and crafts classes.
Alicia soon took on an official Young Leader role, which saw her running the tuck shop and helping to prepare meals and bake cakes for club members.
After being nominated for the Young Hero Awards in May, she attended the awards ceremony two months later at the Bristol Harbour Hotel, despite being “very nervous” and not thinking she’d win.
On receiving the award, Alicia made a short speech thanking the youth club, her family, Bristol Water’s sponsorship and Community of Purpose who run the awards.
Her future plans include more volunteering and she eventually hopes to work with the RSPCA.
Alicia’s mum, Cheralee McKeown, said:
“The ceremony was amazing, neither of us expected it to be as big and prestigious as it was.
“I was so proud she was even nominated, and to then win it was a lovely surprise.
“When they called her name I had tears in my eyes.
“She’s very mature and a natural leader so she really deserves it.
“Our whole family think it’s fantastic that Bristol Water have sponsored Alicia’s award as without businesses like them these amazing children wouldn’t be celebrated.”
Amy Kington, Chief Purpose Officer at The Community of Purpose, said:
“The Young Heroes Awards would not be possible without the commitment of businesses like Bristol Water. Their support ensures that young people like Alicia are not only recognised for their incredible contributions but are also inspired to keep believing in their potential.
“By standing alongside us, Bristol Water is helping to celebrate the unsung heroes of our city and showing that when businesses invest in community spirit, it creates a ripple effect of hope, pride, and opportunity across Bristol.”
Dani Twelvetree, Head of Customer Communications and Engagement at Bristol Water, said:
“It’s very inspiring to see young people in Bristol being so active in the community.
“At Bristol Water we’re proud to support the achievements of children who go above and beyond, like Alicia.
“She’s such a worthy winner and we can’t wait to see what she goes on to do next.
“She’s proof of just how important these awards are to affirm kindness and community spirit.”
Community of Purpose, a not-for-profit social enterprise, work with 80 Bristol businesses to mentor young people.
In 2025 they are hoping to expand their reach to 100 businesses.
