AN inspirational teenager is urging people to nominate other dedicated young people for awards.

Gilberd School pupil Martin Bennett won Inspirational Young Person at last year’s WellChild awards and even met Prince Harry at the glitzy bash.

Nominations have opened for this year’s awards, which celebrate the inspirational qualities of the UK’s seriously ill children and young people and the dedication of the people who go the extra mile to make a real difference to their lives.

Martin, 14, of Parsons Heath, Colchester, has spinal muscular atrophy, meaning muscle weakness affects his ability to move, walk and breathe.

Against the odds Martin is a pupil governor, a fundraiser and a Scout and has abseiled and learned to swim.

He said: “It was the most wonderful evening of my life. I felt so proud when I went up on stage to receive my award.

“It was a real honour to meet Prince Harry – he was so kind to me."

If you know someone who deserves special recognition, nominate them for an award by visiting wellchild.org.uk or call the charity on 01242 530007 to request a nomination form.