Cornwall’s Future Stars Celebrated as Young & Talented Cornwall Marks 20 Years

Milestone anniversary sees new High Sheriff throw support behind young achievers

A major milestone was marked this week as Young & Talented Cornwall celebrated its 20th anniversary at the Duchy of Cornwall Nursery. The landmark occasion brought together the latest award recipients, fund supporters and Cornwall’s civic leaders to recognise the incredible young people shaping the county’s future.

The event also coincided with Cornwall’s new High Sheriff, Geraint Richards, selecting Young & Talented Cornwall as one of his focus funds for the year. Speaking at the celebration, Geraint said: “The next generation is our future. It is critical that we nurture, inspire and support them to fulfil their potential so that they can go on to follow their talent and pursue their careers. I am delighted to lend my support — especially during such a milestone year.”

Supporting Cornwall’s Exceptional Talent

Since its formation, Young & Talented Cornwall has awarded more than £500,000 to nearly 500 individuals. The fund exists to ensure that no gifted young person in Cornwall is held back due to limited resources, whether financial, social or physical.

Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho KCVO OBE, Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, praised the fund’s impact over the last two decades. “Over the last two decades Young & Talented Cornwall has given a helping hand to an incredible collection of young people, many of whom have gone on to perform or compete at a national and global level,” he said.

This year, grants totalling around £50,000 have been awarded across the “All Talent” and “Spirit of Trevithick” categories. Some recipients in the Spirit of Trevithick group will also benefit from mentoring programmes with Cornwall’s most innovative businesses.

Meet Cornwall’s Rising Stars

The latest cohort includes 34 talented individuals, representing a huge variety of fields — from footballers, cyclists, athletes, surfers and dancers, to aspiring engineers, physicists, geologists and ecologists. Here are their inspiring journeys so far:

📷The twentieth anniversary of Young and Talented Cornwall, The Lord Lieutenant’s Fund was celebrated at the Duchy of Cornwall Nursery with a spectacular cake

All Talent Recipients

Rhys Simmonds – footballer – St Columb Major 

Rhys demonstrates exceptional football talent, currently playing for both Truro City’s under-18s and reserves teams at just 16 years old. His skills have earned him selection to represent Cornwall in county football for the past two years, contributing to league championship victories on both occasions.  

 His international experience includes selection for a Cornwall team competing in a German tournament, where he was named player of the tournament as his team claimed victory. Rhys continues to develop his skills and has recently been nominated for England Schools football trials, highlighting his continuing progress toward higher levels of the sport. 

Connor Moore – dancer – Redruth 

Connor’s dance journey began at age seven with VOX Dance in Camborne. His dedication and talent earned him a place at The Hammond Dance School in Chester, where he studied for two years. Upon returning to Cornwall, he continued developing his skills at Jason Thomas Performing Arts in Truro. Most recently, Connor secured a place at the prestigious Italia Conti Arts Centre in Woking, where he is now pursuing a three-year Level 6 Diploma in Dance. 

Iona Statham – contemporary dancer – Falmouth 

Iona has attended contemporary technique dance classes under Grace Murdoch at AMATA, Falmouth University, for nine years. In 2021, Iona was invited to join Propeller, an exclusive dance company for talented young dancers aged 13-18. Now Iona has successfully auditioned to be part of the National Youth Dance Company based at Sadlers Wells, performing nationally and internationally representing the UK. Iona will perform later this year at AMATA, with the company, sharing her love for dance and talents with a home audience in Cornwall.  

Josiah Plummer – footballer – Falmouth 

Jos began his sporting journey as a local footballer and was selected to represent the Cornwall Schools team at age 15. His talent quickly became apparent when he made his first team debut for Falmouth Town shortly after his 16th birthday. Jos represents both his college and England at international competitions and has been part of the Truro College football academy for the past two years. Now, Jos has been included in the squad to travel to the USA to compete in the prestigious Dallas Cup Soccer Tournament in April. He is immensely dedicated to not only his own football goals but also supporting others in his local community. 

Eva Reid – violinist – Falmouth 

Eva’s love for music began early, with particular focus on violin and fiddle playing. She has developed a deep appreciation for both classical compositions and traditional folk melodies, finding beauty and expression in both structured and free-flowing musical forms. Eva is a member of the Southwest Youth Orchestra, and Cornwall Youth Folk Ensemble. Eva composed ‘Winter Storm, Summer Dance’ and subsequently performed it with the South -West Youth Orchestra. In March this year Eva entered the Violin Concerto Class at the Cornwall Music Festival where she performed the piece with a professional string quartet.  

Martin Wright – junior karter – Hayle 

Martin concluded his junior karting career as British Champion, ranked 9th in the world. His recent achievement of passing his ARDS car racing license at Brands Hatch with the highest grade (Grade A) marks an important transition in his motorsport journey as he prepares to move from karts to car racing. Focused on taking his first steps into competitive car racing, Martin has entered the Junior Saloon Car Championships scholarship for February 2025.  

Cara Ellis – athlete – Falmouth 

Cara is a nationally competing athlete who has achieved remarkable results in track and field. At county level, she has been crowned champion in both heptathlon and long jump, while also setting the Cornwall County schools record for long jump—an achievement that secured her first place at regionals. Her multi-event talent continued to shine at regional competitions where she was placed second in the heptathlon, qualifying for nationals. Currently, Cara ranks 12th nationally for long jump and 18th for heptathlon, demonstrating her exceptional athletic versatility and commitment to excellence across multiple disciplines. 

Naomi Hawkins – penthathlon – Devoran 

Naomi’s exceptional talent in modern pentathlon has earned her places on the international stage, representing Great Britain for the past three years. Selected for the Pentathlon GB Talent Development Squad and the Regional School of Racing British Cycling Talent Pathway, she balances specialised training across all five pentathlon disciplines. Despite being just fourteen and in her first year as an Under-17 competitor, Naomi already has impressive achievements. She qualified for and represented Great Britain at the European Championships in Madeira as both an Under-15 and Under-17 athlete. Her outstanding performance earned her gold with a male teammate, making them the current Under-15 European Champions, while also securing team gold and placing 5th in the Under-17 Laser Run. 

Alexander Babb – pentathlon – Bodmin 

Alexander is a modern pentathlete, training in swimming, fencing, obstacle course racing, running, and shooting. His rigorous schedule includes training six days a week while also representing his school in rugby and football, as well as playing for a local football club. His dedication to sport has earned him places on national teams, representing Cornwall in cross country and Great Britain in Modern Pentathlon sub-sports including Triathlon and Laser Run. Alexander’s commitment is further recognised by his selection for the Pentathlon GB 2025 Pathway Development Squad, where he receives expert coaching from GB trainers and participates in ranking events for international competition placements. 

Tristan Babb – pentathlon – Bodmin 

Tristan has developed into a high-performing multi-sport athlete with multiple Great Britain team selections. His sporting journey began with local cross-country events, where he frequently placed third, before advancing to Pony Club Triathlon where he developed shooting skills, and later to traditional triathlon competitions. Upon joining Plymouth College, Tristan gained access to extensive training in shooting, swimming, and strength conditioning, which led him to specialise in Modern Pentathlon sub-sports such as Triathlon. His success in this discipline took him to the highest competitive levels, representing Great Britain at both European and World Championships. Building on these achievements, Tristan has committed fully to Modern Pentathlon, developing his fencing skills and refining his other disciplines to compete at the pinnacle of this challenging sport. 

Lily Wells – singer/musical theatre – Padstow 

Lily began singing lessons at age 13 when starting senior school and quickly demonstrated exceptional vocal talent, particularly in musical theatre. Her performance experience includes singing with Truro School Chamber Choir and appearing at school and public events at Truro Cathedral alongside the choristers. Her theatrical accomplishments include playing Eponine in Les Misérables and securing the role of Roxie in Chicago. As a four-year member of Cornwall Youth Choir, Lily has performed solo and ensemble pieces at prestigious venues including the Royal Albert Hall and Royal Cornwall Show. Her choir also achieved Gold and a special award at the World Choir Games in Hull. These experiences led to her first performance at Boardmasters Music Festival at just 14 years old. 

Tama Griffiths – touch rugby – Penzance 

Tama started playing rugby union at age 6 and currently represents both Truro College and Pirate Colts. Two years ago, he expanded his sporting repertoire to include touch rugby—a non-contact version focused on skill, agility, and teamwork played on approximately half a standard Rugby Union pitch. His exceptional ball handling skills and speed have facilitated rapid progression in the sport, advancing from regional level competition with the Southwest Saxons to national representation with England Touch Rugby. This swift rise through the ranks highlights Tama’s natural aptitude for the sport and his dedication to maintaining the fitness and technical skills required for high-level performance. 

Kitty Crocker – singer/song writer/performer – Crackington Haven 

Kitty is an accomplished singer-songwriter and performer who has achieved grades 1-8 in both Musical Theatre (grades 1-3) and Popular Music (grades 4-8), earning Distinctions in many examinations including her Grade 8 through determination and dedicated practice. Her original compositions have gained significant regional recognition, with every released song being played on BBC Cornwall and Devon through BBC Introducing. Recently, her song ‘Want It Back’ was selected as ‘Track of the Week’, receiving daily airplay across various Southwest radio shows for a week. This achievement was complemented by a live on-air interview with Daniel Pascoe, providing valuable promotion for both her new release and her developing career as an artist. 

Rosie Edwards – surf lifesaving and surf ski paddler – Penzance 

Rosie is a Team GB surf lifesaving and surf ski paddler who trains rigorously and travels globally to compete in high-level international events. Her dedication to these demanding water sports requires exceptional strength, endurance, and technical skill.  

Representing Great Britain at elite competitions worldwide, Rosie showcases not only her athletic prowess but also the crucial water safety skills inherent to surf lifesaving. Her international competitive experience provides valuable opportunities to engage with diverse training methodologies and competition strategies, strengthening both her personal performance and her contribution to the British team. 

Reuben Wakely – surfer – Redruth 

Reuben is a dedicated surfer who began riding waves at just 4 years old and entered competitive surfing at age 11. His competitive debut was impressive, finishing 4th in England in his very first English nationals competition. Since then, Reuben has built an impressive competitive record with four national contest wins in his age division. In 2023, he was placed 1st overall in the Surfing England junior surf series, which comprised six events at different locations around the country. Recently recognised twice in the ‘Warriors of Winter’ competition for submitting the best photo two months in a row, Reuben surfs daily when conditions allow and is fully committed to pursuing a professional surfing career after completing his education. 

Jack Davey – BMX and Mountain biking – Redruth 

Jack races bicycles across multiple disciplines, with particular focus on BMX racing at Cornish, Regional, National, and international levels. In 2023, he represented Great Britain at the World Championships, and in 2024 he was selected for both the European Championships in Italy and World Championships in the USA, though financial constraints prevented participation. His talents extend beyond BMX to mountain biking, where he competes at National level in Downhill racing and Four Cross (4x).  

Jack’s versatility and skill earned him the title of 2024 British Champion in 4X (Four Cross) Mountain Bike racing. Despite receiving an invitation to compete in the World Pro Tour in Czech Republic, financial limitations again posed a barrier to participation. Jack’s younger brother shares his passion, competing in the same disciplines and currently ranking second in Britain at 4X. 

Scarlette Heatherington – tennis – St Mawgan 

Scarlette is a committed tennis player with ambitions of becoming a professional on the WTA Tour. Her training regime includes six days of practice weekly, with unwavering dedication to both physical conditioning and mental preparation. Her impressive tennis resume includes being ranked #1 nationally in France from ages 10-15 and achieving a #11 worldwide ranking at age 13 in the Tennis Europe Junior Tour. With dedicated coaching since age 7, she has developed a complete and adaptable playing style. Since moving to the UK, Scarlette has rapidly climbed to #12 in the national rankings in just nine months and made history as the first player from Cornwall to win a British Tour National adult event in Exeter in November 2024. 

Eiger Swinscow – sabre fencer – Falmouth 

Eiger has achieved remarkable progress in sabre fencing, advancing from regional to national level in just three years, then to European level two years later. This season marks another significant step in his development as he begins competing at World Cup Level against elite international fencers from all continents.  

Despite facing setbacks including two broken bones in his hand last summer and missing the U20 Nationals in early September due to this injury, Eiger’s hard work and dedication have yielded impressive results. Since returning to competition in late September, he has risen to 2nd place in the U20s Great Britain Men’s Sabre rankings in just three months, demonstrating extraordinary resilience and commitment to his sport. 

Isaac Murray – discus – Truro 

Isaac began his athletic journey as a distance runner, achieving 6th place at the UK cross country championships before transitioning to discus throwing in 2022. His progress in field events has been remarkable—in his first year of discus competition, he was placed 2nd in the county, 3rd in the South West Championships, and achieved a UK ranking of 78th. Now entering his fourth year of throwing, Isaac is ranked in the top 15 in the UK and holds the 1st place ranking in Ireland through his Irish citizenship. His sporting versatility extended to dodgeball in 2023, where he quickly advanced to England Development Team trials within six months of beginning the sport. Currently, Isaac has been invited to train with the Irish senior squad as they prepare for the 2025 European Championships. 

Laurence Miller – downhill mountain bike racer – Wadebridge 

Laurence is a 17-year-old downhill and enduro mountain bike racer from North Cornwall with serious professional ambitions. His dedication through challenging races has yielded impressive results, including multiple podium finishes that demonstrate his exceptional ability in the sport.  

With British Cycling national ranking and a 1st place position in the regional ‘Woodland Riders Winter Race Series’, Laurence’s talent has been recognised by industry professionals. Recent endorsements from World Cup racer Jay Williamson and Emma Roberts, Founder of Cornwall Bicycle Project, confirm his status as ‘one to watch’ in the mountain biking community. Currently the only Cornish rider besides professional Jay Williamson competing at National level in 2025, Laurence aspires to be a young ambassador for Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, sharing his journey to inspire others. 

Lewis Vinten – squash -Truro 

Lewis is a passionate junior squash player. He is currently placed 14 Nationally in the U17 category whilst only aged 15. He has consistently represented Cornwall as the No. 1 seed at both U17 and U19 levels, and he is now ranked as the top senior player still residing within the County. His commitment extends beyond personal competition to supporting the development of the sport locally, where he assists with the junior training programme at Truro Squash Club. With enthusiasm for both competitive play and nurturing new talent, Lewis aims to obtain the qualifications necessary to become a certified squash coach in the future. This combination of playing at increasingly high levels while giving back to the community demonstrates his approach to the sport he loves. 

Ella Atkinson-Townsend – acrobatic gymnastics – Truro 

Ella specialises in acrobatic gymnastics, performing in a women’s trio. This discipline requires perfect synchronization between partners to execute both balance elements—demonstrating strength and flexibility in holding complex positions—and dynamic movements involving flight. Ella’s dedication to mastering these technically demanding and visually spectacular routines secured her a position within the Great Britain team, representing Great Britain at the Maia Acro cup in March 2023 and the Gutenburg cup in October 2023. As part of the trio, they recently came 2nd in their category at the British Championships.  

SPIRIT OF TREVITHICK RECIEPENTS 

Rhys Byrne – physics and engineering – Camborne 

Rhys has developed a passion for physics and engineering, with particular interest in particle physics, astronomy, and renewable energy technologies. His academic journey has been enriched by hands-on experience analysing data at CERN and completing an Extended Project Qualification focused on astronomical phenomena. With a clear vision for his future, Rhys aims to pursue higher education in physics and engineering, ultimately working toward developing sustainable green technologies. His dedication to addressing environmental challenges through scientific innovation demonstrates his commitment to creating practical solutions for a more sustainable world. 

Alfie Wotherspoon – mathematics and physics – Newquay 

Alfie demonstrates exceptional ability in mathematics and physics, approaching complex problems with both analytical rigor and creative thinking. Recently, his academic interests have connected with his personal passions as he explored the physics underlying surfing—analysing wave formation, fluid dynamics, and the mechanical principles at work. With plans to study engineering at university, Alfie is driven by his desire to understand the world at a deeper level and apply this knowledge practically. He’s particularly drawn to sports engineering, where he hopes to combine his love for outdoor activities with his technical expertise to develop innovative equipment and technology. 

Jasmine Edwards – environmental science – Penzance 

Jasmine’s interest in environmental science and conservation developed through her experiences as a lifeguard and independent research projects. She has focused particularly on phytoremediation techniques and developing solutions for mine pollution—issues of special relevance to Cornwall’s landscape and history. Fascinated by marine ecology, coral symbiosis, and the effects of light pollution on natural environments, Jasmine is passionate about developing innovative, community-based solutions through STEM applications. She plans to further her education in environmental sciences and conservation technology, with the goal of creating sustainable approaches to ecological challenges. 

Isla Mulholland – biology/science – Penzance 

Isla is pursuing science A-levels with a strong focus on biology and animal welfare. Her academic pathway is guided by her aspiration to study Veterinary Medicine at university, with a long-term goal of specialising in Wildlife Conservation Medicine. Her passion extends beyond traditional veterinary practice to encompass broader ecosystem health concerns. Isla values the importance of collaborative work across multiple disciplines and looks forward to contributing to animal wellbeing and environmental sustainability through medical innovation and scientific understanding, bringing together her interests in conservation and veterinary science. 

Ben Hawkins – engineering – Liskeard 

Ben has always been curious about how things work, developing a long-standing interest in engineering throughout his academic journey. He is particularly drawn to hands-on problem-solving activities and understanding mechanical systems, preferring practical applications over purely theoretical approaches. Currently applying for a competitive engineering apprenticeship, Ben aims to deepen his technical knowledge while gaining valuable practical experience in real-world engineering environments. He is passionate about continuous learning and dedicated to making positive contributions through innovative engineering solutions that address practical challenges in society. 

Connor Dean-Pijuan – software engineering – Truro 

Connor has developed significant interest in software engineering and machine learning, with particular emphasis on practical problem-solving and technological innovation. His academic accomplishments include completing a dissertation on rescue drone applications, and he is currently working on developing a model specifically designed to support mountain rescue operations. Passionate about the integration of software and hardware components in technological solutions, Connor aspires to develop impactful tools that can support emergency services and improve safety outcomes. His focus on applying technical skills to real-world challenges demonstrates his commitment to creating technology that makes meaningful differences in critical situations. 

Xanthe King – architecture – Truro 

Xanthe’s passion lies where mathematics, physics, and creativity meet. She has a particular love for sustainable architectural design, and her dedication has recently led to university acceptance to study architecture. Xanthe is driven by a real desire to make a difference — focusing on creating eco-friendly, affordable housing that addresses some of today’s most urgent needs. With a strong technical background and a creative approach, Xanthe is determined to shape practical, sustainable solutions that not only respect the environment but also support vibrant, thriving communities. 

Hala Elabd – medical science – Truro 

Hala’s passion for medical science shines through in her interest in areas such as  neurodegeneration and immunotherapy. She thinks carefully about the ethical questions that come with new discoveries, recognising how important it is to balance scientific progress with human values. Hala’s dream is to become a Doctor who not only cares for patients directly but also helps drive forward new and better treatments. 

Lean Dove – statistics and linguistics  

Leon is studying mathematics, chemistry, and Spanish, with a particular enthusiasm for statistics and linguistics. He enjoys technical projects and exploring the meeting point between language and data analysis. With interests in linguistic research and analytical approaches, Leon aims to contribute to our understanding of communication patterns, data interpretation methods, and the productive overlap between language science and quantitative disciplines. Leon has also been offered a place to attend and compete at SISTEMIC 2025, an international STEM competition in Singapore.  

Connor Riley – engineering and information technology – Wadebridge 

Connor’s passion for both engineering and information technology shines through his work, with particular interests in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and sustainability solutions. Drawn to the challenge of optimizing complex systems, Connor is deeply motivated by the question of how technology can be leveraged to protect our digital spaces while also advancing environmental stewardship. As he looks ahead to a career at the forefront of innovative technology sectors, Connor is committed to developing smart, responsible solutions that meet today’s critical challenges.  

Hannah Costa – medicine and marine biology – Wadebridge 

Hannah has developed a strong passion for medicine and surgery, with particular interests in anatomy and diagnostic reasoning. While planning to study medicine with the goal of becoming a surgeon—combining scientific knowledge with a desire to help others—she maintains a parallel interest in marine biology and conservation issues. Especially concerned with protecting Cornwall’s coastal environments, Hannah hopes to eventually find ways to integrate her medical scientific training with environmental care initiatives. This dual focus reflects her belief in the interconnected nature of human and ecosystem health, and her desire to contribute positively to both fields during her career. 

Jonathan Waller – geology – Wadebridge 

Jonny’s lifelong love of geology, environment and arts continues to fuel his curiosity as he studies these subjects at A-level. Growing up surrounded by Cornwall’s rich mining heritage, he’s passionate about using digital mapping, design, and creative techniques to explore and better understand the region’s unique geological features. By blending scientific accuracy with art and creativity, Jonny brings fresh perspectives to visualising and communicating complex ideas. 

Looking ahead, he’s excited to combine traditional geological knowledge with cutting-edge digital tools to advance both scientific discovery and practical solutions. Jonny strongly believes in the power of bringing STEM and the arts together to tackle real-world challenges, and he’s especially motivated to support local innovation that builds on Cornwall’s inspiring legacy. 

Year-Long Anniversary Celebrations Planned

The 20th anniversary will be celebrated with a year-long series of events. In addition to the celebration at the Duchy of Cornwall Nursery, a gala sponsored by Cornish Metals and St Eval is planned for November at Hall for Cornwall. This immersive showcase will bring together recent cohorts, alumni and partner organisations to highlight the talents of Cornwall’s young people.

Later in November, renowned chef Paul Ainsworth and his team will host a fundraising dinner at the Royal Cornwall Showground to further support the fund.

For more information or to apply for the next round of grants, which are open now across the All Talent, Spirit of Trevithick and Creative Writing categories, visit www.youngandtalentedcornwall.org.

📷Young and Talented Cornwall recipents