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Perez Rewards Brave Youngsters
Written by Newcastle Utd
Ayoze Perez joined BBC Look North presenter Carol Malia to present prizes at the annual Bravehearts of the North East awards on Thursday
Newcastle United forward Ayoze Perez was a guest of honour at Thursday's annual Bravehearts of the North East awards.
Thirty children received awards, as well as gifts, from Perez and BBC Look North presenter Carol Malia at the ceremony held in the Bamburgh Suite at St. James' Park.
Bravehearts of the North East is a charity which recognises courage and bravery of children of the region, many of whom have undergone major operations in the children's unit at the Royal Victoria Infirmary.
All of their work is done by volunteers with the help of donations. Every penny donated goes towards putting a smile back onto a child's face.
After happily posing for numerous photographs and signing countless autographs, a clearly humbled Perez said: "I was amazed at the bravery of the children, especially as they had all had major operations.
"Yet they were still smiling and that is a lesson for us all. I wish them all the very best.
"Mike Williamson (who is a patron of the charity) texted me before the event thanking me for going along and told me it was a really special occasion. That was really nice of him."