PROLIFIC fund-raiser Liam Fairhurst has been awarded a posthumous Gold Diana Award. Liam, who lost his battle with cancer in June of this year, was among 10 youngsters who were named as the UK s most inspirational young people and given the new 10th Anni

PROLIFIC fund-raiser Liam Fairhurst has been awarded a posthumous Gold Diana Award.

Liam, who lost his battle with cancer in June of this year, was among 10 youngsters who were named as the UK's most inspirational young people and given the new 10th Anniversary Gold Diana Award - for Extra Mile Achievers at a Downing Street reception. This new award has been launched to celebrate the charity's 10th anniversary and recognises the efforts of the 27,000 award holders who have been honored in the last 10 years.

Liam's parents, Mark and Sarah, accepted the award on Liam's behalf at a reception at 11 Downing Street, which was headed by Chancellor Alastair Darling and the PM's wife Sarah Brown.

The 10 recipients were chosen by an external judging panel chaired by Diana Award patron Esther Rantzen.

Liam raised more than �300,000 for the CLIC Sargent and other young people with cancer.

Mark Fairhurst said: "Receiving the Diana Award meant so much to Liam, and it encouraged him to continue with his courageous work for others. He was a passionate supporter, ambassador and spokesperson for the Award and we are proud that he continues to be celebrated and recognised."

The Diana Award, founded in 1999 in memory of Princess Diana, is a unique lifetime honour presented to young people - from all circumstances and sections of society - who invest a huge amount of energy to improve the lives of others The charity is passionate about young people, and through the Diana Award's unique development programme, the compassion and commitment of young people is harnessed so they fulfill their aspirations for society.

Esther Rantzen said: "Selecting 10 awards holders for this special anniversary award was a tough job - everyone who receives the award is an outstanding young person. These 10 are fantastic examples and role models. Since receiving their award, they have just kept on giving. A real inspiration to us all and we're honored that they are part of our Diana Award community. Congratulations to them all."

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