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.”

Within the local community I volunteered in both the nursing home in my town for 2 hours a week, and in the children’s ward in Wishaw General Hospital. I also help out younger kids at the dance school I attend, I support the junior section of 1st Wishaw girls brigade where I am a warrant officer, in 2nd Wishaw boys brigade. On top of all this I help with lunch clubs, peer support, summer school and paired reading within my school.

My head teacher, Ian Sommerville, put me forward for the Diana Award because of all my volunteering work and when I heard I was the recipient of this award I was happy but slightly shocked as I don’t really want recognition for the work I do. Seeing the smiles on the peoples’ faces that I help is the real award for doing volunteer work in my eyes.

Amy said: “Receiving a Diana Award is vastly important to me, as being awarded for doing something that I enjoy is incredible. Knowing that the project benefits young people is rewarding enough, but being recognised for the work put in is a great feeling. I’m a part of the Bankie Talk Project – an audio magazine put together by high school pupils for young and visually impaired people.

I jumped at the chance to take part in the project as I myself suffer from a visual impairment and having the opportunity to help others like myself was something that I couldn’t pass up. The project is an important part of the community – not only helping those young people with visual impairments but bringing together pupils from different schools across the area and everyone involved in the project puts in so much work.”

Lauren said: “Making a positive difference to people’s lives in whatever way possible, is something which very much motivates me. My passion lies in caring for and helping people who are in need of it and through personal experience, I understand that receiving the right help can make a difference. Recently, I was diagnosed with Meares-Irlne Syndrome, an eye disorder, and I remember the sense of frustration before being diagnosed.  Volunteering for Bankie Talk has boosted my confidence and improved my communication skills.

I was extremely delighted that I was to receive a Diana Award. This is a great honour to have received an award that is in memory of Princess Diana and her belief  in the power of young people to change the world. Her belief has inspired me to continue to try making a difference in young people’s lives. This award has given me something to be very proud and grateful for. It has also influenced me in to the career path of caring and helping for others.”

Amy and Lauren from Bankie Talk

She works as a volunteer at Depot Arts in Glasgow. In the words of one of her own mentors, she “gave up part of her own childhood to be there for the young people in her community”, running a Thursday night dance and arts group, organising outings and sourcing funding to keep youth activities running in the area. Every week she takes a group of young people to an arts venue on the other side of Glasgow, frequently bringing them dinner as she knows they won’t be fed until after 8pm.

Erin has been on the Cowlairs Development Trust Committee for 18 months, encouraging young people to participate in the new Community Centre building they are working towards. She has a ‘can do’ approach and a quiet sense of confidence which make here a natural leader, even in the face of opposition. She takes it upon herself to be there for others, no matter what time of day or night.

Erin has the ability to lift spirits purely by her smile and her laugh. She is modest, compassionate and optimistic and inspires people of all ages. Receiving the Diana Award was an amazing – and unexpected recognition – of her work. It has given her recognition and encouragement to continue making a difference to other people’s lives.