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Sanjay Walters was given the High Sheriff's Inspiring Others Award in recognition of his services to the community - despite his own personal circumstances.
Sanjay, aged 18, left care last year and has devoted his spare time to supporting other people. He volunteers at his local youth club, inspiring members to take an interest in their own health and well being by sharing his expertise in basketball and personal training.
He is also using his experience of the care system to help the City of Wolverhampton Council recruit potential candidates such as social workers and managers for roles within Children's Social Care Services.
The High Sheriff's Inspiring Others awards recognise exceptional members of the community who have done extraordinary things to help and inspire others, even though they may have come from very difficult backgrounds themselves.
Sanjay said: "I'm very thankful for this award. I've been in care myself and I've always worked hard to make sure my future is bright and that I am able to give something back to the community."
The High Sheriff Dr Keith Bradshaw DL said: "Our nominees have overcome difficult life circumstances and all of them give their time and energy freely to help and inspire others and make a real difference to other people's lives."
Sanjay was unable to attend the awards evening held at Edgbaston Stadium last month and so instead was presented with his award by the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Barry Findlay, on Friday (29 July, 2016).
Mayor Councillor Findlay said: "It was an honour to present Sanjay with his Inspiring Others award. It is well deserved recognition of the selfless work he does for other young people in Wolverhampton, and a great example of the many talented care leavers we have in our city.
"I would also like to congratulate Michael Hough, who also received an Inspiring Others award for his voluntary work with the West Midlands Fire Cadets.
"He works with young cadets from deprived areas of Wolverhampton, offering them support and educating them, and also helps with fundraising for the cadets."
- released: Monday 1 August, 2016