A BROMSGROVE teenager who has inspired hundreds through his bravery during his leukaemia battle has been named as a finalist for the BBC Make a Difference ‘Young Hero’ award.
After months of looking for a match, Leo Sproson, aged 17, received a stem cell transplant back in March, and last month was told he was cancer-free.
Since his diagnosis, Leo’s family have been working with blood cancer charity DKMS to get more people on the stem cell donor register in a bid to improve his chances of finding a match and held a registration day in November.
In total, 718 people signed up to the stem cell register on the day, with many more registering for online kits in response to Leo’s story.
The event also raised more than £4,000 for DKMS, which will help the charity with processing the swab kits.
Leo has also allowed his story to be shared and heard through his Facebook page ‘Leo’s Army’ in a bid to get other people to join the DKMS stem cell donor register.
Jenna and Leo and his mum Jenna got a surprise visit at home from BBC Hereford & Worcester, who informed them that Leo was a finalist for the ‘Young Hero’ prize in recognition of his extraordinary work.
Leo will find out if he’s been named the ‘Young Hero’ at a glamorous event in September.
Jenna said the news was fantastic and that she couldn’t be prouder of Leo.
She added: “We are over the moon with this.
“So many fantastic people get nominated, so to become a finalist is fantastic.
“Thank you to everyone who nominated him.
“He truly is a hero and deserves this.
“There are lots of amazing inspiring people out there, and all deserve to win.
“But my gosh, wouldn’t it be fantastic if Leo won?
“It’s about time he has some luck.”
BBC’s Make a Difference Awards give local people the chance to say thank you and recognise those who improve lives where they live.
The ‘Young Hero’ award is handed out to an individual or group of young people under 16 who have made a positive impact in their community or achieved something exceptional.
It is one of eight categories up for grabs at the Make A Difference awards.
