Reformed Matthew

Wins Senior YOPEY and £500 including £400 for MMBF

A young Harlow entrepreneur, who went off the rails’ after success and wealth came early, is Essex’s Young Person of the Year.

Matthew Martino was presented with the award known as a ‘YOPEY’, by Baron John Petre, the Lord-Lieutenant of Essex, at a lavish ceremony in London this weekend.

John Petre, who represents the Queen in Essex, said that the 23-year-old is “an inspiration and a great example to many young people”.

Matthew was shortlisted

Autistic George

Wins Junior YOPEY and £300 including £200 for autistic children's club

An autistic teenager, who helped other young people with special needs, is Essex’s Young Person of the Year.

George Hughes, of Sutton Court Drive, Rochford, was presented with the award known as a ‘YOPEY’, by Vincent Thompson, the High Sheriff of Essex, at a lavish ceremony in London this weekend.

Mr Thompson said that the 16-year-old “has achieved a great deal to become an advocate for those with similar problems”.

George was

Companies support Essex YOPEY

The 2015 Essex YOPEY was sponsored by EWA Bespoke Communications of Chelmsford, Total Logic Security of Harlow, Estuary Housing in southern Essex, Fisher Jones Greenwood solicitors with offices in Essex and London, and Runwood Group with homes for the elderly throughout Essex.

The YOPEY charity also received grants from Essex Community Foundation and RoSCA.