Inspire Leeds - Bringing the Diana Awards from London to Yorkshire

LEEDS SEES INSPIRATIONAL YOUNG HEROES FROM YORKSHIRE AND HUMBER PRESENTED WITH DIANA AWARD AT LEEDS COLLEGE OF MUSIC

75 inspirational young people, from across Yorkshire and Humber, were presented with a Diana Award at an award ceremony at Leeds College of Music, sponsored by Talk Direct & Denham.

These outstanding young people have invested a huge amount of energy and time to improve the lives of others and receive this Award, in memory of Princess Diana and with the Prime Minister as Patron, with pride.

The Diana Award was presented by special guests Coronation Street’s Lucy-Jo Hudson and BBC reporter Danielle Hewson.

Award Holders change the lives of others; whether they’re a volunteer, fundraiser, carer, campaigner or Anti-Bullying mentor. 

Young people receiving the Diana Award at this event include :

Emily, 15yrs from Cleckheaton.  Emily’s passion for the wellbeing of others led to her successfully campaigning to have a dangerous building demolished in her local area, alongside support from the late Jo Cox MP. Emily became concerned about the derelict building after seeing her peers attracted to this unsafe site, raising awareness about the dangers via local press, in her school community and also a presentation petition to Kirklees Council. Working with several Councillors, Emily is now a budding politician and runs events for students to raise awareness of how important their voice can be in making a change.

Emily says “I am receiving my award today in memory of Jo Cox MP. Without Jo I would not be here today. Jo was a massive support to my campaign. She was an inspiration to me. She was always there for advice or support. She became one of my best friends. I wish Jo was here to see me collect my award and celebrate with me. Jo has taught me to fight for what you believe in no matter how hard it gets. I will continue campaigning and will make Jo proud #moreincommon”

Junior, 12yrs from Leeds: Starting as a self-taught dancer using You Tube, Junior now holds the National Freestyle Champion title. Overcoming lots of problems with bullying brought about by his dancing, he refused to give in and instead used his talents and passion for dance to really make a difference.  Junior has helped raise over £290,000 for UK charities, working closely with Martin House Children's Hospice and inspiring children affected by bullying to find something they love doing and to never give up on their dreams. At the Child Friendly Awards Junior won the 11-18 yrs Children’s champion award and made a speech bringing the audience to tears. He said "All I want is for it to be ok for boys to dance".  Junior is performing at the Award Ceremony.

Earl Spencer, Princess Diana’s brother, says: "Over the past 18 years I have met many hundreds of children who have been proud to receive the Diana Award, and I've been quick to congratulate them on whatever it was that brought them this recognition – campaigning against bullying  or acting as mentors for younger students– while assuring them that Diana would have been equally proud to have her name attached to such a fine initiative, and to each award-winner's good work.  One of my childhood memories of Diana was learning of how very protective she was of younger girls at her boarding schools.  In later life she endlessly displayed her great affinity with children, and with the vulnerable. It's because the Diana Award fits so perfectly with my late sister's core values that I've always been one of their greatest supporters.”

Tessy Ojo, Chief Executive, Diana Award, says; “July 2016 is a special month for the Diana Award as we announce #DianasLegacy – celebrating Princess Diana’s legacy twenty years on. We are delighted to launch this landmark year by publicly honouring young people who carry this award, set up in memory of Princess Diana, with immense pride.  These young people, who come from all walks of life, share a deep and lasting sense of social responsibility.  Through our unique training, mentoring and development programmes we empower and motivate them to continue contributing their communities throughout their life.  We would like to congratulate all our new award holders today.”

As well as being celebrated with a prestigious Diana Award, young people attending INSPIRE Leeds received specialised training in campaigning and community action to kick start a year-long social action initiative, with their peers, to tackle social issues, make a positive change and contribute to a brighter future for themselves and others. 

Zak Patel, Founder & MD of Talk Direct and Denham says;  “Talk Direct and Denham are excited to support the Diana Award with the delivery of their INSPIRE Series in Leeds for the second time; replicating the annual award ceremony from London to Leeds giving recognition to young people who have gone above and beyond to make a difference to their communities in Yorkshire and Humber.  It's incredible to read so many inspiring stories and be part of the judging panel. I would like to congratulate all the Diana Award holders for their achievement and I know they will continue to push the bar to inspire people around them".