News RSS Feed


Teen gives back to community

10:14am Wednesday 30th July 2008

comment Comments (10)   Have your say »


JACK Kennedy wants to give something back to the community.

The 16-year-old has been nominated by his father for News Shopper's Our Young Stars awards in the Best Community Servant category.

Jack, of Torridon Road, Catford, suffers from Hereditary Multiple Exostoses and was admitted to hospital in September 2006.

He then had to take six months off school to recover.

The condition causes calcium growths in the joints, which can be painful.

But despite his condition, Jack, who wants to become a doctor, has done more than 500 hours' voluntary service for St John Ambulance, where he has helped out at events and learnt first aid.

Jack said: "St John Ambulance allowed me to learn new skills to bring into life.

"I want to be a doctor when I'm older and working with St John will definitely help me achieve that goal."

He added: "It got me out of the house and kept me off the streets.

"It was nice to give something back to the community."

Jack is also a member of the Catford South Youth Panel, which meets once a month to discuss ways of solving crime.

He says he was inspired to join after the stabbing of Jimmy Mizen, who was also 16, in Lee on May 10.

Jack, who is a pupil at the London Nautical School, Waterloo, said: "My mum lives near where Jimmy Mizen was stabbed and I thought that's too close to home and I don't want that to be me'.

"I joined the youth panel because I thought it could help educate me and my friends about crime."

Jack's father, Greg, who nominated him, said: "Jack has sheer determination towards his goals and has little problem of achieving them.

"You pick up a paper and all you get is negative news about youngsters.

"We could do with some good news as well."

To nominate a youngster for an award click here


Your Say YourNews Shopper

Mark Higgins, London says...
11:22pm Wed 30 Jul 08

Well done to Jack!! We need more people like him in London! I'm sure he'll achieve his goals.

Pinar Emin, Sydenham says...
11:50pm Wed 30 Jul 08

I think Jack is a brilliant boy and a great friend. He has already achieved so much and will succeed in anything he does. Good on ya!!

Mina Feleppa, Grove Park says...
3:42pm Thu 31 Jul 08

Well done Jack, its about time we gave some recognition to the young people that do do good with their time. very proud of you little bro xx

Lucy, Crystal Palace says...
9:16pm Thu 31 Jul 08

Jack, maany thanks for pulling over to help me during the incident 3 weeks ago, I am truely grateful and I really hope you win. you have a fine human spirit which I hope can never fade

Jack, Cat ford says...
9:36pm Thu 31 Jul 08

You are most welcome Lucy, anytime, hope you are better and didnt stay in hospital too long.
Many thanks for everyones support, its been overwhelming
All the best
Jack

Cristina, West London says...
11:17pm Thu 31 Jul 08

Well done Jack, we are extremley proud of you. Keep up the good work. C u soon xxx

Mrs. Sharon Feleppa, Lee says...
11:35am Fri 1 Aug 08

Just keep up the good work,everyone here at Brymore is wishing you well,reach for the stars darling.
Love Mum
quote

Reg Millmore, Lee says...
11:43am Fri 1 Aug 08

Really proud to know you Jack, all the best, now and always, Reg
quote

Edward Gayfer, catford says...
5:16pm Mon 11 Aug 08

well done jack! you deserve to have that award. i have known you since i joined st john ambulance about 3 1/2 years ago and every time i needed help with anything you were there to help me.

Jack, Catford says...
12:25am Tue 12 Aug 08

Bless you Edward thank you, happy to help anytimes :)

Comments are closed on this article.

Our Young Stars nominee Jack Kennedy Jack Kennedy

In this section

Sponsored Links


Local Advertisers


Local Information

Enter your postcode, town or place name

House prices »   Schools »   Crime »   Hospitals »