Anna Gaskell, Aged 10, made it to the finals for extraordinary level of support she dedicates to her best friend Leah who has Cerebral Palsy.
Anna Gaskell, who is in Year 6 at Askam Village School, helps support Leah in the classroom, around school and out of school. She is incredibly kind and patient, and yet encourages Leah to be as independent as possible. This is something Anna has done since a very young age.
Not once does Anna ever complain. Nothing is too much 
trouble for her. The bond between the two of them is very special and heart-warming. They are friends for life. Anna is so positive with a great sense of humour. She is encouraging without being bossy.
Leah without doubt benefits hugely from everything that Anna does. It allows Leah to rely less on adult support wherever possible. Leah has become more independent in school. Leah speaks out more and is fully integrated into all aspects of school-life. The class as a whole are extremely supportive of Leah, and a large part of this is down to Anna who sets the standard and is an outstanding role-model. Leah enjoys school, and Anna’s warm smile, gentle encouragement, sense of humour and an uncanny sense of initiative certainly contribute in no small part to this.
Leah’s parents are extremely appreciative of what Anna does for their daughter. Anna’s teacher, Mr Cairns said “I don’t think I have ever been privileged to see such a special relationship between two children. Anna is one-in-a-million.”
TO VOTE FOR ANNA IN THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
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Voting closes at 6.00pm on the Sunday 19th February 2017. Any votes received after then may be charged but will not be counted.
The winner will be announced at The Love Barrow Awards on Friday 10th March 2017 and will be announced via Facebook and Twitter also.