Ian McCartney MP

Ian visited St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School to present Kathryn Capner with the Diana Princess of Wales Award for Young People.

Ian's speech is detailed below;

"I am delighted to have been asked to join you again today to present the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Award for Young People to a very special pupil.

You may know that the Diana Princess of Wales Award for Young People was set up by the government in 1999 in memory of the late Princess. It was created to recognise and celebrate the inspirational qualities, courage and compassion of young people.

Princess Diana was someone who devoted a huge amount of time to good causes and she particularly enjoyed working with exceptional and brave children.

That is why I am sure she would have approved greatly of the award being made today in her name to this extraordinary student.

Today, it is my great pleasure to present this award to Kathryn Capner for her enduring courage.

Since being diagnosed with Crohns Disease, Kathryn has shown such enormous bravery coping with the illness.

Life can sometimes give you a tough time. Indeed most of us at some time in life have to face trauma of one sort or another.

Kathryn shows us the way that within us all there is the courage to face whatever life throws as us.

Far from feeling sorry for herself or giving up, Kathryn has climbed her own personal mountain with dignity and determination.

Defying her illness she perseveres with her education, coming into school as much as she can.

That is what she wants to do and she is brave enough to face the challenge and win through.

Kathryn’s mother Angela, father David and older sisters Hannah, Stacey and Natalie must be so proud of her achievements. Their 100% support and love has ensured that she has been able to make the best of the situation with a smile.

Before I met Kathryn I asked what she was like and was told, she is so pleasant,  always smiling and never complains regardless of what she faces up to every day. She just gets on with life.  That in part is down to support of a loving family.

I also wish to recognise the role the school has played in helping Kathryn continue to achieve her goals. I have no hesitation in again praising Peter Phillips and his staff for their dedication and the support they provide for all pupils at this school but particularly in those cases where a little extra something is required. They can be counted on to provide it. Please accept our thanks for your caring and commitment.

Kathryn is the forth person at St. Edmund Arrowsmith to achieve this award. Emily phoenix was the first extraordinary pupil to receive the ward for the courage she displayed in battling her illness.

Then Pascaline and Prosper Donnir received an award in March 06 for the strength they displayed coping with a different culture and language and becoming an integral part of school life.

Hannah Hughes received her award for the support of her sister Laura and her selfless service to others.

Kathryn joins these extraordinary children.  All children are extraordinary but Kathryn and the others a little more so.

Kathryn we are here today to pay you tribute and to thank you for leading by example.

Thank you for showing us how with determination and enthusiasm you can overcome even the most difficult of times.

You are an extra special young person and this award is a fitting tribute to your bravery and outstanding courage.

You are an inspiration to the whole school and I am honoured to have been asked to present you with this award today."