New York Coffee Club’s First Award

Peter’s coffee shop chain, New York Coffee Club (NYCC), received its first award last night during a ceremony at London’s City Hall.

NYCC was awarded with the Employability and Enterprise Champion 2013 at the Young Epilepsy Champions Awards.

Peter and his older brother Danny, who manages the chain, were at the event to collect the award.

They were awarded after Danny employed Sam Ashby on a work placement, which the charity deemed to be so supportive that Sam developed the confidence and skills necessary to go into paid employment.

Peter said: “It is heartbreaking that in this day and age epilepsy can still have such a devastating effect.

“I am so proud of my brother for the difference he is making to young lives with epilepsy.

“There is still a mountain to climb when it comes to raising epilepsy awareness and breaking down the stigma that surrounds it, but with the support of more people like the Young Epilepsy Champions, we will get there.”

Young Epilepsy supports the 112,000 children and young people living in the UK with epilepsy. The Young Epilepsy Champions Awards celebrate the continued efforts of individuals and organisations across the country who are making tremendous progress in improving the lives of those affected by epilepsy.

There were 12 awards in total, marking the achievements of children and young people with epilepsy, as well as their friends, family and carers who have gone that extra mile to offer support; the efforts of professionals from across all sectors, as well as organisations that have helped to raise funds and increase awareness.