Shropshire dyslexia champions among finalists for national awards
Shropshire talent recognised in this year’s national Dyslexia Awards
Inspirational people from across Shropshire have been named among the finalists for this year’s Dyslexia Awards, which celebrate the achievements of dyslexic people across the UK.
The awards, now in their 10th anniversary year, began as a regional initiative in Shropshire before growing into a national event.
This year’s finalists include artists, entrepreneurs, performers and innovators from Shropshire and across the country, with the awards recognising creativity, resilience and achievement within the dyslexic community.
The winners will be announced at a ceremony in October.
Among the Shropshire finalists are Jacob Chandler from Telford, who is nominated in the Amazing Artist (18+) category.
A sculptor and artist, Jacob specialises in bronze sculptures, with his work exploring movement, balance and human experience.
Jane Pickworth from Shrewsbury is also a finalist in the category. She works across television, theatre, visual art and children's entertainment as an artist, puppeteer and voice actor.
Simon Horton from Telford, known as Leo Loco, is another finalist. The circus performer and entertainer founded Leo Loco Circus Skills and uses circus arts, magic, puppetry and creative workshops to inspire audiences.
In the STEMM (18+) category, Thomas Bibb from Telford has been nominated for his work as founder of Exascale, where he focuses on improving digital connectivity and infrastructure, particularly in rural communities. He has also been shortlisted for an entrepreneur award.
Tullis Matson, from Whitchurch, managing director of Stallion AI, is also a STEMM finalist. He specialises in agricultural technology, artificial intelligence and livestock innovation.
Meanwhile, Anthony Cannan from Ludlow has been shortlisted for the Entrepreneur (21+) award. He is recognised for building successful businesses while creating opportunities for others.
Founder and dyslexia champion Elizabeth Wilkinson MBE, who operates as The Dyslexic Dyslexia Consultant, said the nominations highlighted “the incredible stories and work people do”.
She added that judges had faced “tough choices” in deciding the finalists and congratulated everyone who had been nominated.
The national awards ceremony takes place in October.