HER positive outlook in life has seen her represent her county in hockey and take her little sister under her wing when they tragically lost their mother to cancer.

Kayleigh Hallas wants to throw everything she can at life to get the best out of it.

The 19-year-old was nominated by her stepmother Tracey Holroyd who described Kayleigh as always having a “massive smile on her face and an even bigger heart’’.

Kayleigh is a keen sportswoman, dancer and exceptional student. A former Newsome High School and Greenhead College student, she was selected to represent West Yorkshire in hockey and played in goal for them.

She is also a keen dancer, training at the Anne and Carol School of Dance and even helped teach the younger children.

And it’s her family, late mum Joanne, dad Andy, sister Bethany and her stepmother Tracey who have inspired Kayleigh.

Kayleigh, of Netherton, said: “I was chosen to represent West Yorkshire as a county in hockey and it was a great achievement. I played at school and college and it was something I loved doing so fitted it in around school and college.”

When she was 10 years old Kayleigh lost her mother, Joanne, to cancer. Her little sister Bethany, now aged 16, was just six at the time.

She said: “Me and my little sister were always very close. It would be a massive shock for anyone aged 10 and six to lose their mother, but I did what I could for Bethany. I suppose it’s made me a stronger person. I don’t let anything get to me and will tackle everything as hard as I can and make sure I put my best into everything.

“I’ve seen that life is too short.’’

She is close to dad Andy and her stepmother Tracey Holroyd, who are due to marry soon. It was her dad who has inspired her career choice.

Kayleigh has spent much of her spare time working or gaining experience in the cricketing world after watching him play when she was younger.

A student at Leeds Met, she added: “I’ve always wanted to work in the cricket world so I’ve done work experience for Yorkshire County Cricket and the English Cricket Board and hope to go into marketing for them. I also work for the Laxmi restaurant at Berry Brow, which I’ve done for three and a half years and love.

“It’s a busy time but I enjoy everything I do.”