A modest 18-year-old from Letchworth who works tirelessly to help others has been nominated for the Young Achiever category at this year’s Comet Community Awards.

It’s a wonder how Darragh Lane finds the time to fit in his goodwill work. He studies animal maintenance at Shuttleworth College in Biggleswade, makes bracelets for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust and was one of the founding young people of the Wilbury Community Forum.

He also spends time volunteering at a Leonard Cheshire Disability residential care home in Hitchin.

But Darragh hasn’t had an easy ride in life. At the age of six, he was diagnosed with a form of cancer called Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He has since been cleared, but still has to be careful with what he eats and must remain active.

When Darragh was receiving treatment for cancer at Great Ormond Street Hospital, he went to a cub scout meeting which inspired him to join his local branch.

As he got older, he became a voluntary leader himself for the beavers and cubs., and has since gone on to host fundraising events for a whole host of good causes.

Darragh was nominated by Sue Lines, who runs the Wilbury Community Forum.

She said: “Darragh is a really positive role model for us all.

“He is cool but that never stops he mucking in with anything.

“We have done loads of charity activities together for years and he makes it fun.

“Darragh always has time for others. He is really encouraging even if he is tired, feels ill or needs a rest.”

Hearing about his nomination, Darragh said: “It’s fantastic. I’m a bit taken aback.

“I’m struggling to find the words. I’m really grateful for the nomination.”

Iain Hutchinson from Letchworth-based category sponsor Altro said: “This is our third year involved in the community awards and is something as a company we’re proud to sponsor.

“The Young Achiever category is a special one as they are the future of the community that we serve.”