Caring campaigner lands royal honour
A YOUNG campaigner has won a prestigious royal award which was set up in memory of Princess Diana.
Sarah Mahmood has been praised for her work improving the lives of young people in Rochdale by being awarded a Diana Award.
The 16-year-old Hollingworth Academy pupil impressed judges with her determined campaign work on issues that affect young people across the borough through her work with Rochdale Youth Cabinet, supported by Rochdale Youth Service and Neeli Mosque.
Established in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, with the full support of Prince William and Prince Harry, The Diana Award is the most prestigious accolade a young person can receive for social action or humanitarian work.
Sarah was Rochdale’s Member of Youth Parliament for 2017/18 and is an active member of the Youth Cabinet.
She also plays a full role in the youth service and has attended a House of Commons debate, where she fought for mental health awareness and support, reform of GCSE re-sits and transport issues.
Sarah is particularly passionate about mental health and has secured funding for two additional mental health support workers in Rochdale.
She has successfully fundraised for important causes to her such as Springhill Hospice for end-of-life-care and has inspired Neeli Mosque, where she volunteers, to do the same.
Coun Kieran Heakin, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Sarah has done lots of amazing work with our youth service and she fully deserves the recognition this prestigious award gives her.
“She should be very proud of her hard work; she is a great role model for young people”.