SIX young people have received funding to help them pursue their ambitions in sport and culture as part of Hillingdon Council’s 2022 Tashan Daniel Award.

An aspiring actor, talented hockey player and dedicated dancer are among those who received funding for equipment to help them pursue their dreams.

Hillingdon residents under the age of 21 were eligible to apply to the annual bursary scheme.

This year’s winners were chosen by Tashan’s father, as well as Cllr Jane Palmer, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, and Priscilla Simpson, the borough’s Sport and Physical Activity Manager, who reviewed more than 30 applications.

The winners were:

Bailey Sapsed, 15, from Ickenham, who excels at water polo and has been selected to play for the London Regional Academy. Bailey has been awarded £670 to pay for a residential camp and training fees.

Ben Lazarevic, 17, from Uxbridge, who has competed for the borough at the London Youth Games. He also set up an after-school hockey club to coach others. He receives £790 to pay for coaching qualifications, equipment and indoor hockey boards.

Billy Stubbings, 16, from Harefield, who has a passion for theatre and performing arts. Since the age of 12, he has been involved in school productions. Billy receives £1,500 for performing arts, singing, acting and dance classes.

Casey Jones, 15, from Northwood, is the No. 1-ranked fencer at under-15 level. He competed in the Commonwealth Games this year. He receives £2,000 for fencing equipment and other expenses.

Grace Dowling, 15, from Ruislip, has danced since she was three and regularly competes in national competitions. She receives £850 to pay for training, dance equipment and clothing.

Aisha Hibah Ali, 13, from Uxbridge, has trained with FutunityUk Ltd for the past five years. Aisha has been awarded £1,511 for membership of the British Gymnastics Association, clothing, summer camps, training and qualifications.

The awards were created in memory of Tashan Daniel, 20, from Hillingdon, who was killed in an unprovoked attack at Hillingdon station in 2019.

He was a keen photographer, footballer and athlete with ambitions of competing in the Olympics as a sprinter.