The question was asked: “Do you know a young Scot who goes the extra mile every day but never asks for any recognition or reward? Someone who has overcome difficult circumstances or risen to a challenge? Someone who may have achieved something in the face of adversity? We are calling you to nominate an unsung young Scot who deserves this award.”
We found out that our own Josh Hardwick, who is 17 years old andfrom Muirhouse, was nominated for this award because he qualified on every level – and we have now been told that he is now a FINALIST.
Josh is the leader of a group of volunteers who set up the TRIM & Friends of West Pilton Community Shop in Pennywell Road and has grown into the job to progress to Manager.
In our area where there are families who need help, Josh provides a multitude of help from our shop. This includes food parcels from our Foodbank, cheaper food to buy, and cookery classes; he runs the award winning Dr Bike Club on Saturday mornings, that offers repairs and advice to cyclists; assistance through the Community Hub, for those with drug and alcohol issues; and to those needing advice regarding Benefits, Housing and community issues.
A major part of his skills are around Health issues. Josh is a trained First Aider and has been trained to use the community defibulator which is also available, in an emergency, from the shop. He also facilitated a mass CPR week across the community.
Josh is charming, has a mannerly personality, and a caring nature so he is great at dealing with people from all walks of life. He has attended meetings with Muirhouse Link Up, Save a Life Scotland and TRIM to discuss and arrange.
“We are so proud of him and wish him every success in these awards. Having said that we do stress that he doesn’t need to win – he is our Unsung Hero and we so appreciate him!”
Barbara Beaufoy
Secretary, TRIM and Friends of West Pilton
