5:14pm Wednesday 17th March 2010
By Kelly Smale
THE parents of murdered teenager Jimmy Mizen have been awarded for their work within the community.
Barry and Margaret Mizen attended the Kids Count Inspiration Awards at the House of Commons and were awarded the Chairman’s Award.
Schools Minister Vernon Coaker MP, who was presenting the awards, paid tribute to the Mizen’s for setting up The Jimmy Mizen Foundation.
Mr Mizen said: “We are very honoured to receive the award. This is all part and parcel with the work we are trying to do in memory of Jimmy.
“Most young people in this country are brilliant. Hopefully these sorts of things can go part way to showing that.”
He added: “We could do with a better image of young people. A truthful image rather than a negative one.”
The foundation acts as a resource for young people by providing assistance and organising apprenticeship placements.
It also provides Jimmy Buses to organisations which are committed to developing young people.
Kids Count Chairman, Richard Stephenson, said: “Barry and Margaret are now making a tremendous contribution to the lives of many other young people of Jimmy’s age and I applaud and salute their unwavering courage, commitment and dedication.”
He added: “Anyone who has met Barry and Margaret and anyone who has heard their story and seen the way in which they have bravely dealt with the most difficult of situations will understand why they have been awarded the Chairman’s Award at this years ceremony.”
The ceremony recognises individuals and organisations which have been responsible for inspiring young people in their communities.
Kids Count is a national organisation aiming to find solutions to the issues which affect children and young people.
For more information, visit kidscount.org.uk or call Linda Lawrence on 0786320075.
To make a donation to the Jimmy Mizen Foundation and to find out about the Jimmy Bus, visit jimmymizen.org
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