Daniel’s story

Daniel is 17 and a Diana Award Champion Fundraiser. Read More

Abu’s story

My name is Abu Bakr Syddek, I’m 17 and I currently live in Sandwell. Having volunteered my time, expertise and skills for several years as a youth officer and chairman of the Smethwick Youth Forum at the Bangladeshi Islamic Centre I was nominated for the Diana Champion Volunteer Award and received the award in 2011.

When I had received the news that my nomination was successful I was absolutely thrilled and I had realised that my hard work and enthusiasm in the voluntary work that I had carried out had paid off. To celebrate my achievement the Bangladeshi Islamic Centre had organised a conference called ‘Building For A Better Future’ where I was awarded the certificate by Musleh Uddin (Founding member of the Bangladeshi Islamic Centre). This meant a lot to me as I have really worked hard over the years and hope to continue the work which I am currently doing.

I’m the kind of person who loves helping people and making the community I live in a better place. I aspire to make a difference in my community and hope to become a Councillor or an MP through the support of the people in my community.

First Award Holders in Jamaica

Chrisyln Winter, aged 12 and Alex Newman aged 17 from Kingston are the first two young Jamaicans to receive the International Diana Award.

Chrislyn and Alex are volunteers at the RISE Kidz Club, an after-school educational enrichment and life skills programme operated in the inner-city community of Parade Gardens by RISE Life Management Services.

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Jenna’s Story

Jenna, aged 17 from the Isle of Bute in Scotland. Diana Champion Fundraiser

Jenna received her award for setting up and fundraising for Calum’s Cabin – a charity set up in memory of her twin brother. Jenna’s brother had cancer and it was his dying wish that a house be built on the Isle of Bute, for families with children suffering from a terminal illness to visit for a respite holiday.

Jenna has worked tirelessly with the support of her family and the local community to raise the money needed to build and maintain the cabin. There now stands a purpose-built house in stunning surroundings, which is filled all year long with grateful children and families who have time to concentrate on each other, including the siblings of the ill child, and take time to appreciate their relationships.

On receiving the award, Jenna said: “I am really honoured to receive the Diana Award. I take great pleasure in being able to give children and families the quality time they so desperately need and I know my brother would be thrilled that so many people have benefitted from his cabin.”