Emma-Rose Collins, a Year 11 pupil at Hazelwood Integrated College has been awarded the Diana Award for Courageous Young Citizen. The Diana Award was founded as a legacy to Diana, Princess of Wales’ belief that young people have the power to change the world for the better and the Award recognises young people who have made a positive difference to their community.
Emma-Rose has Marfan’s Syndrome, (a congenital condition resulting in weak connective tissues that affects eyes, skeleton and blood vessels among other tissues), a marked visual impairment and cardiac problems. Despite having to attend hospital appointments and experiencing joint pain and headaches most days Emma-Rose is a fun loving, caring pupil who works conscientiously in school to the very best of her ability. She participates as fully as she can and is particularly keen on PE, HE, Drama and Music.
Emma-Rose takes time to think of, and help, others, she regularly participates in and initiates fundraising activities within the College raising funds for those less fortunate than herself. On a daily basis Emma-Rose acts a mentor and friend to other vulnerable pupils in the school.
Emma-Rose is an only child and lives with, and helps care for, her widowed mother Jacqui, who is also registered disabled and is a wheelchair user. She helps with domestic activities such as cooking, cleaning & shopping. Emma-Rose is a very caring, loving and supportive daughter and they have a wonderful relationship together.
Emma-Rose was nominated for this prestigious award because despite her own difficulties she is determined to get on with things as best she can, embracing her life and responsibilities with courage and cheerfulness far beyond what would be expected of a child her age. Her enthusiasm and kindness inspires both staff and pupils alike and her fundraising efforts have helped others both in school and in the community.
Emma-Rose has been invited to attend National Diana Award Ceremony on Wednesday 16th October 2013, hosted by Barclays at Canary Wharf, London. The College will be fundraising to cover the costs of this trip.
