The Young Ambassadors Big Weekend
Where do we even begin? Of course, it’s always lovely to reconnect with friends from across the country, but I also knew this weekend would be especially emotional following the heartbreaking loss of three incredible young ambassadors: Harry, Alexander, and Evanne. I was okay with that. Spending time together, reflecting, and supporting each other felt very needed. There was conversation, connection, and a real sense of clarity about what lies ahead as we move into our final year as Young Ambassadors (YAMs).
Although emotions were running high, I was so excited for everyone to come to Liverpool for the big weekend. Having everyone in Merseyside made it even more special for me as I live just across the water on the Wirral!
Skills, Smiles, and Stronger Bonds
From the workshops to the social moments, I had an absolute ball from start to finish. I’m so glad we had the chance to spend time together, catch up, and continue looking ahead with hope and purpose as a group.
Over the course of the weekend, we took part in workshops on public speaking and leadership, as well as a memorable animal therapy session. We also had a deeply moving chance to reflect and remember Harry, Alexander, and Evanne. I was grateful to be given the opportunity to run a well-being workshop for my fellow YAMs and the amazing staff from the charity who joined us.
During the workshops, as I spoke with, listened and heard other YAMs, I realised how everyone is at different points in their journey with diagnosis, and that’s okay. Some are still coming to terms with the loss of a loved one to a brain tumour and that’s okay too. This is exactly why we connect so well as YAMs: there’s no pressure to be anything other than who you are. Everyone just gets it, and that’s one of the things I love most about this programme.
Every time a YAM stood up to practice their public speaking, we uplifted each other cheering, clapping, encouraging, always. It was something truly special to be a part of.
Mel
Even when tears were shed (guilty, that was me during my workshop!), the support and humour carried us through. I was reminded, “you can do it,” and of course, the iconic “just pretend you’re a tree!” which somehow worked! That encouragement helped me finish my workshop on such a high note.
We also had some great opportunities to connect and just have fun as Young Adults, including smiles during animal therapy, a film night ending in Just Dance and a social afternoon of bowling in the city centre.
I honestly can’t thank the YAM family enough. Even though we haven’t known each other long, that’s exactly what we are: a family.
Honouring Young Lives and Lasting Legacies
As a group of 18–25-year-olds, a brain tumour diagnosis is something you just don’t expect in your early twenties. Speaking from personal experience, its life changing. And yet, to then find yourself part of a group filled with other young people who truly understand, that’s something I hold incredibly close to my heart. We’ve all achieved so much as part of the programme so far.
To build unforgettable friendships… and then lose three of our own in less than six months. It’s heartbreaking and to be honest, terrifying.
We had a moment of reflection with lantern making and a balloon release, which gave us space to honour Harry, Alexander, and Evanne. Not just as fellow YAMs, but as friends, activists, and remarkable individuals who shaped this community. Their absence is felt deeply, but their presence is still strong.
They will always be Young Ambassadors. We will never forget them. They remain an integral part of who we are, and why we’re pushing for change.
Beyond the Young Ambassadors Big Weekend
I think The Big Weekend helped shape me as an activist and made me realise that no matter what we do, no matter how much we drive change, there is still always more to be done. I think it reignited the fire within, and the reason why I applied to become a YAM in the first place, to help others, to see that change, to know I wasn’t alone.
I will always be pushing for change, for as long as I am able to. I’ve been thinking about multiple ways to raise awareness and to help others feel seen and heard, because I think, at the end of the day, that’s the most important thing, to feel heard and seen within the community. If you’re facing a diagnosis, please know you’re not alone.
For the first time in a long time, I’m excited for the future, I’m excited to see what’s next and how we can hit that £100k goal by the end of the programme, I can feel it in my bones!
Mel
To everyone who made this weekend possible, to Abi and the other staff on the Big Weekend and to my fellow YAMs, thank you.