Archbishop Desmond Tutu Labels Leeds Teenager "An Inspiration"

Naomi Cumming, Christ Church Armley, Youth Trust Award

But despite his many accolades and being an inspiration to millions, Archbishop Desmond Tutu has revealed the identity of one of his own heroes – 15-year-old Leeds schoolgirl Naomi Cumming.

In a video message to the teenager released today, the 77-year-old legendary South African anti-apartheid campaigner said: "Naomi - you don't know just what an encouragement you are. I look up to you. The things I've heard about you are just amazing. You are an inspiration to me and many, many others who think that the problems we face are beyond our capacity to resolve. Thank you for reigniting our faith. You are a super-duper person! God bless you."

Archbishop Tutu will join Dr. John Sentamu to present Naomi with a special award on 12 September at a special event to mark the launch of the Archbishop of York Youth Trust.

The Trust is being launched to recognise and encourage the work of young people in the North of England who have been inspired by their faith to transform their communities. Naomi has been chosen as one of six award winners because of her work with the Christ Church Armley Youth Project in Leeds.

Much of the Youth Trust's work is targeted in areas of economic deprivation, providing opportunities to help young people develop their leadership potential. Through fostering leadership skills in young and recognising achievement, the trust encourages young people who are working alongside others in the service of the common good.

Naomi has attended activities run by the project since the age of five and has now become a youth leader in her own right after completing a peer mentoring course.

In a video produced about the work of Christ Church Armley, Naomi said the youth project provided a safe, warm place for local children to belong and offered an alternative to the under-age drinking and vandalism.

"We are really grateful to the Youth Trust for the money that they are giving us," she said. "It's going to change what we've got now to something a lot better."

The Archbishop of York, Dr. John Sentamu, said: "I want the Trust to send a message out to passionate young people that they can make a positive difference in their local communities. They really can be the change they want to see."

At the Trust launch event, Archbishop Tutu will also be presented with a Human Rights Award in recognition of his contribution in transforming South African society and also of his ongoing wider work for truth and reconciliation.