Mirfield teen who lost her mum to cancer wins top award

Eve Halmshaw, 18, was given the Jo Cox Memorial Award by Heckmondwike Grammar School.

Eve, who lives in Mirfield, lost mum Pamela to ovarian cancer in October 2016.

Despite the tragedy, and with the love and support of proud dad Darren, Eve was successful in her GCSEs and A-levels.

As a result she has now secured an apprenticeship with York-based Nestle and is studying for a three-year chartered management degree.

Pamela died after 10-year battle with cancer and Eve was just 14 at the time.

Darren said he was so proud of his daughter and how she had coped.

“Eve has been on a journey but there is a lot of her mother in her,” he said. “They broke the mould when they made the two of them.

“Despite all she’s been through Eve has always been kind and considerate towards others.”

The Jo Cox award is given annually in memory of the late Batley & Spen MP, who was also head girl at Heckmondwike Grammar School.

The award was made by head teacher Peter Roberts at the Senior Prizegiving 2020, given online this year.

Mr Roberts said it has been a “privilege” to know Eve and her family and added: “Everyone in school will agree that we have never had a student who smiles more or who sees the funny and bright side in everything and is warm, caring and compassionate to others.

“Eve is a selfless person who freely gives her time to support others less advantaged than herself.”

He added: “We frequently tell students that GCSEs and A-levels are the most challenging times of their life which will test their resilience, determination and strength of character and Eve did this with aplomb but with a personal loss close to her heart.

“For some this would have defined their life but with the support of her dad, Eve become stronger but still the delightful person we know today.

“Eve embodies the school’s spirit of working hard and playing hard and Jo Cox and her family would be very proud.”