How to Nominate a Brave Child for the Amy Johnson Cup for Courage in Hull

Ever spotted a moment of real, honest-to-goodness bravery? Not the type you see in films with capes and explosions, but something quiet and remarkable. It’s about someone doing the right thing, even when it’s scary. Well, in Hull, there’s a special way to celebrate young people who show that kind of spirit. The city is looking for nominations for a truly historic prize: the Amy Johnson Cup for Courage. It’s a bravery award with a story that’s almost as inspiring as the children it celebrates, and after a bit of a break, it’s back. If you know a young person from Hull who has done something incredibly brave, this is their chance to be recognised.

So, what’s this cup all about?

This isn't just any old trophy. The Amy Johnson Cup has a proper history behind it, and it all starts with its namesake, Amy Johnson. Anyone from Hull will know her name. She was a true aviation pioneer and a local legend. Back in 1930, she did something pretty spectacular. She became the first woman pilot to fly solo all the way from Britain to Australia. Imagine that! It was a historic flight that captured the world's imagination. When she arrived in Sydney, the local school children were so impressed they gave her a gift of gold sovereigns – which are old-fashioned gold coins. But what did Amy do with them? Instead of just pocketing the cash, she used it to create something lasting. She set up the Amy Johnson Cup for Courage right here in her hometown of Hull. The idea was simple: to recognise children who showed courage of the highest order through a single act of bravery. It was her way of giving back and celebrating the same kind of brave spirit she had. This unique bravery award has been part of Hull’s story ever since. For more detail on its history, the Hull History Centre is a great resource.

A call for modern-day heroes

It’s actually been a while since the Cup for Courage was handed out – the last time was in 2012. But as the Lord Mayor, Councillor Cheryl Payne, points out, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. She’s the chair of the board of trustees, the group of people who look at all the nominations. She said:

“People in our area are rightfully very proud of Amy’s pioneering work, and it is great that part of her legacy is about showcasing something she undoubtedly was: brave.

“We haven’t managed to award the Cup for Courage since 2012, which is not necessarily a bad thing as it might suggest that no children have found themselves in such situations where they’ve to come to the rescue of someone in a critical incident.

“However, if there is a young person who has shown such bravery in the last year I would be delighted if we could honour them by awarding the Cup to them.”

And that’s the point. The award is reserved for a truly exceptional single act, where a young person has stepped up during a critical incident. Now, the search is on for new nominations to find the next worthy recipient of this special honour.

Who is eligible for the bravery award?

The criteria for the Amy Johnson Cup for Courage are quite specific, because it’s meant for a very particular kind of bravery. It’s not about showing off or doing daft stunts. It’s about genuine, selfless courage. Here’s a quick rundown of who is eligible to be nominated:

• Age: The nominees must be children aged 17 or under.
• Connection to Hull: They must have been born in Hull and living there at the time of their brave act. Interestingly, the act itself doesn’t have to have taken place within the city.
• The Act: It has to be a single act of bravery. This isn’t an award for being generally well-behaved or determined over time; it’s for one standout moment.
• Level of Courage: The act must display courage of the highest order. Think about someone helping another person in a dangerous or frightening situation, showing a clear head when others might panic.
• Timeframe: The single act must have happened between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2025.

So, if you know of a young person who fits this description, their story deserves to be heard. This bravery award is a real honour.

What does the winner get?

Winning the Amy Johnson Cup is a huge deal. The recipient gets a fantastic prize to keep, but the real honour goes much deeper. The winner's name is added to a very exclusive list of heroes from Hull. They get to have their photograph taken with the original Amy Johnson Cup for Courage. This isn't a replica; it's the actual cup, which is kept safe at The Guildhall. Being part of that tradition is something special. But it doesn’t stop there. Their courageous deed is officially recorded in a special roll of honour book, which is also kept at The Guildhall for future generations to see. It’s a way of making sure their bravery is never forgotten, becoming a permanent part of Hull's history, just like the aviation pioneer who started it all.

How to get your nomination in

Think you know someone who deserves this recognition? Getting a nomination in is straightforward. All the schools across Hull have been sent the details, so people are already talking about it. The most important thing to remember is the deadline. All nominations need to be submitted by Friday 30 January 2026. This gives everyone plenty of time to think about any young people they know who have shown incredible courage during 2025. Entries should be sent by email to: civic.office@hullcc.gov.uk This is a brilliant chance to shine a light on the amazing children in Hull and celebrate a legacy started by one of the city's greatest figures. The Amy Johnson Cup is more than just a prize; it’s a celebration of courage, and the search for the next winner has officially begun.