Variety’s Young Star of the Year Winner was announced in a poignant ceremony on Sunday 4th March. Twenty deserving youngsters were recognised for their commendable achievements and eleven-year-old Milo Baudains was crowned Variety’s Young Star of the Year 2018.

This year’s nominations were vast, with touching and triumphant stories from Jersey’s young community. The Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel hosted the extraordinary ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ themed event and local journalist Kevin Pamplin gave up his time to act as MC for the special ceremony.

The Awards acknowledged outstanding examples of courage, creativity, skill and selflessness. The ceremony was honoured by the attendance of its patrons Lieutenant-Governor, Air Chief Marshall Sir Stephen Dalton, and Lady Dalton.

After winning the ‘Young Star as Carer’ category, Milo Baudains was crowned the overall winner and credited for the wonderful care and support he gives his Mum, who is paraplegic. Milo’s mum broke her back in a horse riding accident in 1995 and she has been confined to a wheelchair since. Milo is described by his mum as ‘very sensible and caring for his age’ and each day, without thinking, helps her in any way he can. He gave up playing with his friends and going to Christmas parties two years ago after his mother also broke her hip, instead he stays at home to look after her and keep her company.

Milo is physically not very big and yet he finds the physical strength to hold his Mum and the wheelchair if she needs assistance. The Awards judges heard how on one occasion, when his mum fell from the car, he stopped her from hitting the floor whilst phoning his Dad for help.

Milo’s mum describes her son as ‘fun-loving’ and she believes that he really deserves recognition for all the help he gives under difficult circumstances and also for the day to day assistance he gives without a thought for himself.

The judging panel, who this year consisted of Lady Dalton, Charlie McArdle from the BBC and Malcolm Lewis, Chairman of Longueville Manor, said that ‘he truly deserved to be this year’s winner as he is a little boy who is so devoted to his Mum and really is a Young Star.’

Alongside Milo, many other young Islanders were recognised at the event in categories such as ‘Young Star of Courage Age 6-10’, ‘Community’, ‘Sports’ and ‘Arts and Academia’. Winners of each category were awarded £500 worth of CI Co-operative vouchers, while finalists were awarded £100 worth of vouchers.

Sandra Auckland, Chief Barker and Chairman for this event for Variety–The Children’s Charity of Jersey, says:

‘Every year I am more and more amazed by the young stars of Jersey. The nominations are always so poignant and inspirational. This year, every finalist has demonstrated strength, hard work and dedication that is well beyond their years. This event is so important, not only to recognise their past achievements, but also to encourage their future aspirations. An event like this wouldn’t be possible without our sponsors. We are so grateful for their contributions, especially the Channel Islands Co-operative Society. I am also thankful to our judges, it’s always a difficult job because each story is so unique and heartfelt. As with every year, we encourage all the schools, clubs and associations to participate as I know there are still so many unsung heroes out there.’

Full List of Winners and Finalists:

VARIETY’S YOUNG STAR OF THE YEAR:
Winner: Milo Baudains (11) – also Young Star as Carer

Young Star of Courage Age 6-10:
Winner: Kevin Teles (10)
Finalists: Lucy McKay (6), Daniel Canham (8), Eliana Lazzarin (10)

Young Star of Courage Age 11-16:
Winner: Charlotte Fernandes (11)
Finalists: Joanna de Oliveira (11), Holly Noel (16) and Mafalda Oliveira (14)

Young Star of Community:
Joint Winners: Nicole (12) and Scarlett Camacho (10)
Finalists: Harry de Gruchy-Wilson (6), Jayden Corley (13), Lexi Farrell (7), William Highfield (7)

Young Star as Carer:
Winner: Milo Baudains (11)
Finalists: Mimi Eloise-Galvin (15) Owen Ballantyne (7)

Young Star of Sports
Winner: Grace Greenwood (13)

Young Star of the Arts
Winner: India Henstridge (13)

Young Star of Academia
Winner: Tiago Alves (15)

Variety, the Children’s Charity of Jersey, marks 50 years of helping disadvantaged and special needs children in Jersey, with a charity skydive and, as the Battle of Flowers chosen charity, their first ever float. They want you to get involved and help them fundraise.

For the last 50 years, on almost a daily basis, Variety has received requests from schools, health visitors, social workers, occupational therapists and other organisations who have direct dealings with families for help supporting children who are disadvantaged or have special needs.

Variety’s mission has been assisting these children to ensure that as far as possible they have equal opportunities.

Many of the requests are for help with basic needs such as food, uniforms, shoes, and baby equipment. As well as requests to provide specialist equipment for disabled children such as wheelchairs, walkers, electronic beds and supportive buggies.

In 2017, the total requests Variety received were from 357 families with 732 children amounting to £50,333.70. This represents an increase of 43% in the number of children needing their help from the previous year.

Can you help Variety fundraise to support these children?

How you can get involved:
– Variety are delighted to have been chosen as the 2018 Battle of Flowers official charity. As well as fundraising on the day, they are looking for people to help build and decorate their first ever float.
– Variety will have eight brave skydivers taking to the skies on Friday the 31st August. They are looking for some more volunteers willing to take the plunge for a good cause.

Sandra Auckland, Chief Barker, says:

‘We are very grateful to all of those who have supported Variety over the years. We have been able to help so many individuals during this time and everything we have achieved has been possible thanks to the generosity of Islanders.

Unfortunately, our work is not complete, as we heard from a speech given by the States of Jersey CEO, Charlie Parker, there are still around 300 children in the Island who come from families who are not able to give them breakfast in the morning or buy their school uniforms.

Variety plays a vital role in supporting these children and we are asking you to get involved and give us a special push this year. Whether that be helping us build our float for the Battle of Flowers, jumping out of a plane for Variety or fundraising in any way you can.

We rely entirely on the generosity of Islanders and our patrons to continue to support our children and any offers of help will be received with open arms, whether you want to become a member, fundraise, volunteer or donate. The only people more grateful than the team at Variety, will be the local children whose lives will be improved.’

If you are able to help Variety fundraise please contact us on 01534 856937 or email [email protected]