Lyla Bell, a remarkable 10-year-old from Thorpe, has been shortlisted for the Child Friendly Leeds Awards 2024.
Despite battling the genetic disorder Cystic Fibrosis, Lyla continues to embrace life with vigor. This year marks the ninth edition of the awards, which recognize the outstanding talents and achievements of young people in Leeds. From an impressive pool of 300 nominations, 36 candidates have been selected across seven categories, celebrating the contributions towards making Leeds a supportive environment for children. The winners will be revealed at a celebratory ceremony held at Leeds City Varieties Music Hall in July.
Diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) at just six weeks old, Lyla Bell faces a demanding daily regimen of treatment. Despite this, her family describes her as ‘determined’ to thrive and live a normal life like her peers. Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a chronic, life-limiting condition that disrupts a protein in the body, leading to the buildup of sticky mucus in the lungs and digestive system. Lyla’s daily routine includes taking over 30 pills, engaging in aerobic exercises, and using a nighttime breathing apparatus to maintain clear lungs.
Nonetheless, her mother, Michelle Bell, proudly states that Lyla refuses to let her condition define her limitations:
“She has had a lifetime of medication, physiotherapy and medical appointments but is determined, very independent and wants to be like everyone else.
“When she was first diagnosed, it was really tough, really negative. We were just told what not to do – don’t go where there are large crowds, don’t go to the farm, don’t have bath toys, don’t have dirty taps, you can’t go in playgrounds, can’t go to nursery.
“But we had a really supportive nurse who was very much like ‘you have to live your life’, and that whatever we do will come with risks and to see how we get on.”
Lyla is actively engaged with the 1st Lofthouse Brownies, where she enthusiastically accumulates badges, and she delights in playing cricket with the East Ardsley Cricket Club. Both pursuits not only provide her enjoyment but also meet her necessary exercise needs. Her mother, Michelle Bell added:
“She’s supposed to do 30 minutes of aerobic exercise every day so we try to keep her physically active and find it easier to do it in a group setting. She loves being part of the cricket team and it’s been really good for her.”
The Robin Hood Primary school pupil, Lyla Bell, has raised over £1,500 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust through various activities, from undertaking mini challenges during lockdown to crafting and selling clay jewelry with a friend last summer. She also actively promotes awareness about her condition, supporting events like the charity’s annual Wear Yellow Day and speaking at her school during Invisible Disabilities Week.
Lyla is a nominee for the ‘Child/Young Person of the Year’ category at the awards. She expressed her joy and gratitude about the nomination, stating she was ‘pleased and happy’ to be recognized:
“Sometimes I wish I didn’t have CF because I don’t like all the tablets, physio and appointments, especially the blood tests. But CF is a part of me so I wouldn’t be me without it.”
Also nominated in the ‘Child/Young Person of the Year’ category alongside Lyla Bell is Aiden Reilly, 17, recognized for his contributions to junior football; brothers Daniyal, 16, and Abdullah Ashfaq, 15, founders of the charity Women’s Whispers with their mother; James Tortice, 11, who is an active fundraiser and advocate for ADHD awareness; and Leigh-Taylor Arundale, 16, who has been involved in charity fundraising since the age of five.
The last Child Friendly Leeds Awards took place in 2022, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the Child Friendly Leeds Initiative. That year, the event was commemorated by King Charles III, who unveiled a special plaque at Leeds Central Library.
This year’s awards ceremony is being orchestrated by a group of young individuals and the team at Leeds Heritage Theatres. They are collaboratively managing every aspect, from designing trophies and decorations to writing scripts and choosing young performers for the event.
Councillor Fiona Venner, Leeds City Council’s executive member for children’s social care and health partnerships said:
“Since 2012 our ambition is for Leeds to be the best city for all our children and young people to grow up in. Becoming a child friendly city is not something, we, as a council can do alone.
“There are so many people across the city who have really taken on board what we are trying to achieve and are an inspiration in themselves. These awards are a great opportunity for us to recognise and celebrate their great work and achievements.”
The Child Friendly Leeds Awards 2024 are supported by sponsors including First Direct Arena, AQL, Hamara, Leeds Bid, The Grammar School at Leeds, Trinity Leeds, University of Leeds, and White Rose Shopping Centre. Nominees were selected through a scoring system and evaluated by two panels: one consisting of children and the other of adults — to determine the winners.
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds and White Rose Shopping Centre said:
“The work that Child Friendly Leeds does to make our city a better place for young people and families is vital, and we’re pleased to continue working together towards this goal as ambassadors at Trinity Leeds and White Rose.
“Taking part in the awards judging and seeing the incredible projects across Leeds is inspiring, and we look forward to celebrating each and every nominee at this year’s ceremony.”
Child Friendly Leeds is an ambitious initiative by Leeds City Council aimed at making Leeds the best city for children and young people to grow up in. This pioneering program was launched to place children and young people at the heart of the city’s growth and development, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are considered in public services and community life.
The initiative focuses on improving outcomes across various aspects of young lives including education, health, safety, and leisure. It involves partnerships between the council, schools, businesses, charities, and community groups, all collaborating to create a nurturing and supportive environment for the youth of Leeds.
Here is the complete list of nominees for the Child Friendly Leeds Awards 2024.
Category: Child/Young Person of the Year
Aiden Reilly (age 17)
Daniyaal and Abdullah Ashfaq (age 16 and 15)
James Tortice (age 11)
Leigh-Taylor Arundale (age 16)
Lyla Bell (age 10)
Category: Youth Group of the Year
CATCH Leeds
Holbeck Moor Junior Football Club
Leeds Dynamite Dance
Leeds Young Carers Engaged, Active, Participating (LEAP) Family Action
Youth Association – Community Ambassadors
Category: Adult Making a Difference for Children and Young People
Deborah Gregory-Hoskins
Margaret Duffill
Jan Furlong
Maria Amuesi
WEST SILC Powerhouse and Rob Lakewood
Category: Leeds 2023 ‘Creativity through Arts and Culture’
Brave Words
Dazl
Tutti Frutti Productions
Union of Dance
Slung Low
Category: Exceptional Contribution to the Child Friendly Leeds 12 Wishes
Renaissance Nurseries
SNAPS
The British Library
Park Square Barristers
Wigton Moor Primary School
Youthwatch
Category: Best Place for Children and Young People
Leeds Children’s Charity at Lineham Farm
Getaway Girls
Little Movers West Leeds
Circus Leeds
Puffin Pottery
Category: Overall Contribution to Making Leeds a Child Friendly City
The Vine Child Contact Centre
ZigZag Autism Support Group
Freedom 4 Girls
Playful Anywhere
Leeds Rhinos & Rhinos Foundation
The Child Friendly Leeds initiative is advancing an action plan titled ‘12 Wishes for the City,’ which outlines priorities gathered from a city-wide survey involving the perspectives of 80,000 children and young people.
In its quest to be a model of child-friendliness, Leeds continues to seek partnerships and involvement from all sectors of society. The initiative encourages local businesses and professionals to become Child Friendly Leeds Ambassadors, playing an active role in shaping a city that truly caters to the needs and aspirations of its younger generations.
For more information on how to become involved, please visit www.leeds.gov.uk/ChildFriendlyLeeds
