James Eden wins Young Sportsperson of the Year at Pride Awards

Highlighting the very best of St Helens, the awards took place at the Totally Wicked Stadium on Friday, November 18.

It was the tenth time that the awards ceremony has taken place, which celebrates the achievements that residents make across the sporting, charitable, business, and entertainment realms.

READ > Fans turn out on a Monday afternoon to watch England's World Cup opener

In a competitive category that saw karate ace James Eden pitted against star runners Lewis Shaw and Bobby Birkett, 10-year-old James was chosen as Young Sportsperson of the Year as his sporting successes have followed a personal tragedy. 

After the tragedy of losing his mum to a brain tumour when he was four, James has stayed strong and through his dedication, has been excelling in both karate and rugby league.

James Eden on the stage (Image: Dave Gillespie)

Member of the Black Scorpion Club, James has shown his ability in karate by winning won a gold, silver and bronze medal at Amateur Martial Association competitions, as well as winning gold at the GB Open Championships.

After being chosen to represent England in karate, the 10-year-old has also gone on to win gold in European Championships.

Going above and beyond in all the sports he competes in, including rugby league, rugby union, and football, James regularly earns himself the man of the match award at Clock Face Rugby League team.

Elated with his son's award win, James' dad Shaun said: "To see James win this award and represent his country in karate makes me so proud.

"He's very grateful to win but he is just as grateful for the fabulous people who are around him at his sporting clubs, as he wouldn't be here if it wasn't for them.

"His mum would be incredibly proud of him but despite the loss of her, James just gets on with it and works pretty much every day to be the best he can be.

"He really is a fabulous kid."

Bobby and Lewis were both highly commended.