Former Member of Rochdale Youth Parliament receives royal Diana Award

Sarah Mahmood with her parents and the Mayor of Rochdale

A former Member of Rochdale Youth Parliament was recently honoured with a ‘Diana Award’ at a special ceremony at Leeds College of Music for her work in improving the lives of young people in Rochdale borough.

Sarah Mahmood, 17, had impressed judges with her determined campaign work via Rochdale Youth Cabinet, supported by Rochdale Youth Service and Neeli Mosque.

Established in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, with the full support of her sons, The Diana Award is the most prestigious accolade a young person can receive for their social action or humanitarian work.

Sarah was joined by her mum and dad, Shehrana Kausar and Tahir Mahmood, The Mayor of Rochdale, Mohammad Zaman, Civic & Ceremonial Manager, Dorothy Johnstone, Lead Youth Worker, Heather Mellalieu, Councillor Kieran Heakin, and Samar Mushtaq, Headteacher at Neeli Mosque.

She said: “I was very proud to receive the award and am amazed that my hard work over the past two years has been recognised. I'm really proud of what I have achieved so far and look forward to the future.

“I would like to thank all the amazing people around me who have always supported me in whatever I have done. Especially a big thanks to my mum and dad for being there; I wouldn't have received the award without their help.

“Finally, a big thanks to Heather and Samar for nominating me and recognising the work that I have done and believing in me.”

Her parents added: "We are extremely proud of Sarah for all the excellent things she has achieved over the past two years."

Rochdale’s Member of Youth Parliament for 2017/18, Sarah has taken a full and active role in the youth service.

She has secured funding for two additional mental health support workers in Rochdale and attended a House of Commons debate where she fought for mental health awareness and support, reform of GCSE re-sits and transport issues.

She has also 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.

Sarah is now eligible for the Legacy Award, which celebrate the achievements of 20 outstanding young leaders, visionaries and role models from across the world.