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Now in its sixth successful year, the Take 5 Young Bravehearts™ in each category are:

Young Carer – Josh Rayner, 11, Lisarow NSW

Josh’s mum, Shelley, suffers from Crohn’s disease, a chronic bowel condition. When it hospitalised her for five weeks last year, 11-year-old Josh stepped up to look after her. Grilling the doctors about her treatment and medication, he acted well beyond his years by caring for her back home while his father worked long shifts. For someone so young he showed incredible responsibility. “He’s my little hero,” she says proudly.

Bravery – Siblings Josephine Vernon, 14, and Lachlan Vernon, 12, Clear Island Waters QLD

On holiday on the Queensland coast, Josephine, 14, and her 12-year-old brother Lachlan put their surf lifesaving CPR training to good use. When a little boy drowned in their resort’s pool, Lachlan did chest compressions followed by mouth-to-mouth resuscitation until the boy regained consciousness, and Josephine rolled him into the recovery position. Their proud parents say Josephine and Lachlan get embarrassed when called heroes.

Local Hero – Campbell McMaster, 10, Hillston NSW

At eight, Campbell was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. When told he was in remission, Campbell took part in a sponsored Sydney Harbour Bridge climb and hosted charity dinners to raise over $30,000 towards his cause. He also took it upon himself to raise money for a new PET scanner for his hospital. “He’s beaten the odds and remains an inspiration to us all,” says his mum Ellen.

Sporting Champ – Chloe Jones, 12, Stockton NSW

Little Chloe was diagnosed with a painful degenerative bone disease called Perthes’ at the age of five. Doctors told her parents she was not allowed to bear weight on her legs and needed a wheelchair. But nothing would stop sport-mad Chloe from going to her swimming and dancing lessons. Despite being in constant pain, she went on to captain her school cricket team and represented NSW in the National cricket championships in 2010.

Inspiring – Shanea Rossiter, 14, Berwick VIC

Involved in a horrific accident aged 11, Shanea had to have her left leg amputated. She amazed doctors with her bravery, often refusing pain relief. Her mum, Tracy, was worried she’d be self-conscious about her prosthetic leg but while Shanea’s faced many challenges and difficulties, she’s bravely facing the world, and says, “This is who I am. People will have to accept it.” Now 14, she’s learning again how to be a teenager.

The judging panel who decided the most deserving young legends were Gold Logie Award winner Georgie Parker, Aussie cricket icon Steve Waugh, former Australian Father of the Year Ron Delezio and Take 5 editor Belinda Wallis.

Wallis said: “The standard and diversity of this year’s Take 5 Young Bravehearts™ entries was incredible. It was extremely difficult to decide the winners as each had a compelling and inspirational story.

“I extend huge congratulations to the winners and their families. These kids are truly amazing and their extraordinary courage deserves to be recognised.”

The brave youngsters celebrate their win with a fantastic prize pool worth up to $46,000 which includes a family holiday to the Gold Coast covering airfares, accommodation, car hire and amusement park passes, and a bumper prize pack including a portable DVD player, DVDs, CDs, books and board games.

Sylvia Geaitani
Access Public Relations
T: (02) 9279 4033
E: sylvia@accesspr.com.au