A 15 year old girl from Preston has been named as Lancashire’s Young Citizen of the Year 2025
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Sara Muszynska topped the list of 60 young and inspiring people who have made a significant different in their communities across the county over the last year. She was presented with the award at a ceremony held last night (Tuesday 25th February) at Lancashire Police Headquarters, Hutton.
Presenting Sara with her prize was the High Sheriff of Lancashire Helen Bingley, Chief Constable Sacha Hatchett and Head of External and Public Affairs of the University of Central Lancashire Russ Millhouse.
Sara won the award for making a significant impact through her work with The Foxton Centre, a Preston-based charity that supports youth, homelessness, and vulnerable women. Over the last seven years, Sara has been an active member of the charity’s Youth Forum board, where she has contributed immensely to fundraising efforts, project planning, and developing a youth participation strategy. Her passion and commitment to the charity have made a real difference in the lives of many. One of Sara’s most remarkable achievements was her leadership in the successful bid for a £2.4 million grant to build a new community centre.
The judging panel also selected a second and third place.
Kitty Blossom Gape, 13, from Ormskirk was runner-up. Kitty, a student at St. Bede’s High School, lives with mild cerebral palsy. After experiencing comments at school about her condition, she took it upon herself to educate both students and staff. She created and delivered a week-long presentation, speaking to over 1,000 people, including every teacher and year group, about cerebral palsy and how it affects her daily life. Her presentation was met with standing ovations and opened up discussions about disability awareness. Students and staff praised her bravery, honesty, and engaging approach, with many expressing a newfound understanding and empathy for those with disabilities.
In third place was Sophia Abbas, 10, from Blackburn. Sophia has spent over a year dedicated to fundraising in her local community of Shadsworth, raising over £10,000 for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. Her efforts included making and selling loom band bracelets, organising raffles, fun days, and sponsored walks. Sophia’s fundraising supports the hospital’s Cuddle Blanket and Cuddle Cot initiatives, which provide grieving families more time with their children after they pass away. Inspired by the loss of her younger brother Harris, who passed away suddenly at just seven years old, Sophia’s mission was to ensure other families could benefit from the comfort she received at Alder Hey.
Helen Bingley OBE JP DL, High Sheriff of Lancashire said: “The Young Citizen of the Year Awards has been one of the highlights of my year as High Sheriff and as part of a panel of people, selecting three winners out of approximately 60 nominations is one of the hardest things, I have had to do this year! The award is to recognise and appreciate the efforts of young people in our communities. Every nomination this year has described exceptional young people doing exceptional things to provide support to people facing adverse circumstances. I would like to appreciate the people who have taken the time to complete nominations and to appreciate the young people who have been nominated for all that you are doing. I am so proud of all the nominations received this year and congratulate you all.”
Chief Constable Sacha Hatchett said: “Many congratulations to Sara who is this year’s deserved winner, and to Kitty and Sophia who were worthy runners-up. I am delighted to celebrate their achievements and the incredible work of so many young people in Lancashire, they are making outstanding contributions to their communities, and we are so grateful for their kindness. It is such an honour to be involved in the Young Citizen of the Year Awards. Every year we are very impressed with the standard of entries. We have a lot of inspirational young people in our county and it’s important to recognise them in this way.”
Professor Graham Baldwin, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Central Lancashire, said: “The University has supported the Young Citizen of the Year Awards for several years now, and we’re delighted to work with the High Sheriff and LANPAC in celebrating our inspiring youngsters in Lancashire. Congratulations to Sara, Kitty and Sophia, and to all the nominees for your selfless and tireless efforts to help those in need or less fortunate.”
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