12-Year-Old Josie Wows With Remarkable Strength Amid Family Struggles
At just 12, Josie-Leigh Wightman has faced more hardship than most. After a tough patch forced her and her brother to move in with a relative, Josie didn’t crumble. Instead, she stood tall, helping care for her family and pets — all while never missing a single day of school.
Local Hero Shines in Nottinghamshire Police Awards
Josie’s bravery and resilience have earned her the prestigious Rising Above Adversity Award at Nottinghamshire Police’s Live Our Best Life Awards. The awards spotlight young people across Nottinghamshire who show exceptional strength and community spirit.
Monica Johnson, Youth Work Project Lead at the Violence Reduction Partnership, revealed how Josie’s story stood out from the nominations. “We looked for the most heart-touching story,” Monica said. “Josie could easily have taken a darker path, but she didn’t. Instead, she kept attending school, cared for her family and their cats, and stayed strong — it was truly inspiring.”
Josie’s Own Words: How She Kept Going
“When I was staying with my family member, we still went to school, did homework, and I helped my brother with his work and bedtime,” Josie explained. “I also took care of our five cats. Every night, I’d visit my carer’s house for dinner and help walk the dogs.”
“It was tough being apart from that family member, but I kept busy helping out, going to the park with my brother, and focusing on my favourite subject, maths. I’d tell anyone in this position to talk to someone — it really helped me.”
Experts Praise Josie’s Unyielding Spirit
Monica added, “Josie’s story shows monumental resilience. Many would have given up school or fallen behind, but she didn’t. She took responsibility like a grown-up — feeding cats, making packed lunches, helping others. She’s going far.”
Romel Davis, youth outreach worker and award founder, chimed in: “Josie’s selfless courage and caring nature make her the perfect Rising Above Adversity winner. At just 12, facing such upheaval would terrify most kids. But Josie faced it head-on, and everyone who knows her is incredibly proud.”
Josie’s positive attitude and determination are now a powerful inspiration for young people everywhere facing tough times.
