Award for teen who overcame fear

A teenager who battled a condition that left her confined to her bedroom has won the district heat of a county competition.

Toni Bingham, 20, of Ollerton, won the Newark and Sherwood section in the Nottinghamshire Outstanding Achievement 4Uth Awards for her work as a volunteer after overcoming agoraphobia.

The anxiety disorder left her scared to leave her bedroom, and she could not leave the house without her parents.

However, she overcame her fears and now volunteers at the Turnaround charity shop, on Sherwood Drive, and helps with the Police Aid Convoy distributing aid to people in need in Albania.

She has also completed an NVQ Level 2 in childcare learning and development at college.

Toni said: “I have to give thanks for the support I have received.

“Over time my confidence has grown and I have been slowly encouraged to overcome my problems.

“I want to help other people and my aim now is to become a counsellor.”

Toni was nominated for the Nottinghamshire County Council award by youth worker Miss Aimee Seeds, former tutor Mrs Janet Bennett, and her colleague Mrs Suzanne Froggatt.

Mrs Bennett said the award was well deserved.

“She is an excellent role model and mentor for other young people,” she said.

“Toni had a difficult time at school, but she has worked hard to overcome these difficulties and her perseverance has paid off.”

People were asked to nominate unsung heroes and youngsters who had surpassed all expectations.

There are six district winners and the overall county honour will be awarded on September 30.

The council’s deputy cabinet member for children and young people, Mrs Lynn Sykes, said: “There are many teenagers who do fantastic work or have achieved a great deal and these awards celebrate this.”