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Superstar Seashell Trust student Daniel Snee has been named Young Personality of the Year at the Pride of Huddersfield Awards.

He accepted the honour at a glittering ceremony in front of his parents, sister Laura, and support staff from Seashell Trust and his home care team. Sadly his other very proud sister Charlotte was unable to attend due to work commitments.

Marathon man Dan, who is registered deafblind and has severe development delay, severe autism, sensory processing dysfunction, epilepsy and no speech, ran just over 26 miles over a number of weeks with his learning support team to raise £4,300 for trips and experiences his class friends at Seashell Trust might not be able to access otherwise.

Daniel's mum Michelle Snee, of Fixby, said: “The Pride of Huddersfield Awards dinner was one of the best evenings of our lives. We are still buzzing. John and I are feeling incredibly proud and emotionally exhausted. There were lots of tears and smiles when Daniel was announced the winner of his category.”

Seashell Trust teacher Allyson Taylor and key worker Jane Laiker, from Royal School Manchester where Daniel is a student, were at the John Smith's Stadium to share his special moment.

Allyson said: “Daniel is an outstanding student and we are privileged to be able to work with him every day in school and celebrate his achievements. He works hard and his progress both academically and physically has been exemplary.

“Through this he completed his sponsored run and we can’t believe how far this gone. The money Daniel has raised will certainly make a difference to his fellow students at school. We are thrilled to see Daniel receive this award and that his abilities have been recognised. We wonder what he will achieve next. The sky is the limit, Daniel.”

Andy Hirst, from the Huddersfield Examiner which organsied the awards, said: “The judges were incredibly moved by Daniel’s story. His nomination was very special to his family and those who work with him day in and day out at home and school at Seashell. If Dan could speak he would say a massive thank you to everyone who has helped him come so far.”

ITN newsreader Nina Hossain, who hosted the ceremony, said: “This award celebrates Dan - his achievements and what he does well - and not the long list of disabilities that have been well documented throughout his life.”

The award has been brought back to Seashell Trust so it can be shared with staff and students.

See the moment Daniel accepts his award here

Photograph courtesy of The Huddersfield Examiner