Arundel and South Downs MP Nick Herbert presented Tyler Murphy, founder of the charity Tyler’s Trust, with a national award at a ceremony in the House of Commons on Monday evening (9 November).

The 9th Annual Kids Count Inspiration Awards Evening recognised the achievements of some inspirational young people and community organisations across the country. This year they received a record number of nominations.

Mr Herbert nominated Tyler Murphy, 19, for the award for 'Most Inspirational Young Person' after meeting the Barnham resident last year.

Tyler has undergone 16 operations himself for a brain tumour and to aid his eyesight, spending a lot of time in hospital. It was during his earlier time in hospital that he made small personal gifts to other children who were also having treatment. Tyler saw the difference that it made to them and was inspired to continue doing this.

Tyler’s Trust raises money from local events and businesses to create gift boxes that provide some cheer for children having to endure long periods in hospital. The Trust has gifted over 60 boxes so far, and BBC Radio One presenter Fearne Cotton is a Patron of the charity.

Mr Herbert joined Tyler and his family to present him with a Highly Commended 'Inspire the House' award at the event held in the Terrace Marquee at the House of Commons. Tyler made a brief speech to the guests to say how much the award meant to him.

Tyler’s mother, Janice Ellis, said: “It was an immense honour to be invited to the House of Commons for Tyler to receive an award, for our MP to have taken the time and trouble to nominate Tyler was simply fantastic. Tyler undertakes such fantastic work and to have that acknowledged by our MP is very special.”

“It was an amazing evening with drinks on the terrace and Tyler really did us proud with the confidence and pleasure in his acceptance speech when receiving the award.”

Mr Herbert said: “I for one was inspired by Tyler when I met him, and that's why I was so pleased to nominate him for this award. He is a remarkable and brave young man. It is wonderful that he has chosen to start a charity to help other young people and their families when he has been through so much himself."

Mr Herbert added: “I would like to thank Govia Thameslink Railway for sponsoring Tyler and his family in their travel to London for the awards evening.”

ENDS

Notes

1. Photograph – Nick Herbert MP with award winner Tyler Murphy from Barnham.

2. For more information about Kids Count and the Inspiration Awards see www.kidscount.org.uk.

3. To read Nick’s news ‘MP praises teenage charity "hero"’ see http://www.nickherbert.com/news.php/564/mp-praises-teenage-charity-quotheroquot.

MP presents national award to Barnham teenager