Young volunteer scoops first Andrew Plummer award

Dec 29 2011 by Leona Greenan, Hamilton Advertiser

A HAMILTON teenager has won the inaugural Hyzone Andrew Plummer award for her outstanding work in the community.

éithne Kane (21) received her award and driving school vouchers from Alison Plummer, wife of the late Andrew Plummer, to whom the award is dedicated.

Mr Plummer tragically died in 2002 after he was struck by an articulated lorry while changing a punctured tyre on the A1 hard shoulder.

The architect was an active member of the Hamilton community and enjoyed supporting youths in the area. So much so he was the founding member of Hyzone – a detached youth work project based in Hamilton.

And in a bid to remember his work at Hyzone, the board of directors at the project have decided to instil the award and each year honour a young community volunteer.

This year’s recipient is dedicated Hyzone volunteer éithne.

The 21-year-old was recognised for her contribution to the project by always being a guiding role model for the youths who attend.

eithne is also an active member of the youth council and gives the teenagers lots of advice and support on various issues they have to deal with while growing up.

Hyzone co-ordinator Kenneth Johnstone said: “I can’t think of anyone better to win the first Andrew Plummer award than éithne.

“She is a very valued volunteer within our team and thoroughly deserves the recognition.”

Hyzone aims to identify issues affecting the young people of Hamilton, establish positive relationships with them and, in conjunction with other agencies, develop appropriate programmes to address the issues raised.

It is supported by five local churches, those being St Mary’s, Hamilton Old Parish, St John’s, St Andrew’s and Cadzow Parish Church and it works in conjunction with South Lanarkshire Council.

Kenneth added: “The Hyzone Andrew Plummer award will now be an annual prize that will be given to someone who best serves the community. Each year proposals and nominations will be sought and the Hyzone board will then judge the winner.”