News

Seashell superstar student Dan Snee's award-winning ways are rubbing off.

Now his support workers Julia James, Judith Pinfold and Lesley Ferrara have won an award from Kirklees Council.

Dan, who is 16 and is  registered deafblind and has severe development delay, severe autism, sensory processing dysfunction, epilepsy and no speech, lives in Fixby in Huddersfield - some 40 miles away from Royal School Manchester here at Seashell Trust.

He was recently named Young Personality of the Year at the Pride of Huddersfield awards for his fundraising for Seashell Trust, the charity which runs the Royal School Manchester.

School transport escorts Julia and Judith have been employed by the council to take Dan to and from school every day for the last two years.

Lesley brings Dan home once a week from after school club at Seashell Trust.

They were presented with the Transport Team Award and a Transport Team Above and Beyond Award award by Kirklees Council.

Michelle Snee, Dan's mum, said: “As we live in Huddersfield, Dan’s day starts at around 7.10am when the ladies pick him up - it’s a long trek to school during peak traffic.

“Dan usually returns home at around 4pm although frequently there are very long and late journeys home when Dan and his 'girls' have arrived at 5.30-6pm due to accidents on the M62. Despite this, the ladies always call and let us know what is happening so we don’t worry.”

Julia said: “We enjoy our job assisting Daniel to school and strive to make the 50 miles journey as comfortable as possible. We have lots of smiles and laughter along the way.”

Michelle added: “These three ladies do a marvellous job. They are so good with Dan, they are always very cheery and it really is nice to see them in the morning - although it is very early! Dan, in turn, always has a nice smile for them.They have become an important part of his school day and routine. The award from Kirklees is a wonderful recognition for a job well done – and much appreciated.”