Angela Smith was delighted to present one the prestigious Diana, Princess of Wales Awards to an exemplary local student. The Diana Award was created in 1999 to recognise and support amazing young people who work to change their communities and disregard their own difficulties to help others.

The award was presented to 17 year old Ed Vickers who studies at Basildon Upper Academy (Angela’s old school) in Pitsea. Ed suffers from a skin condition called Fibromyalgia which leaves him highly sensitive to UV light. Even though these medical problems, Ed has devoted much of his time to mentoring younger students with disabilities and making them feel more at home in school.

Ed gained the award for the work that he has done in supporting others in the school to cope with disabilities. He has given up time early in the morning to volunteer during early morning swimming sessions for students who use wheelchairs. He has also been vital in a mentoring role in the school; Ed helped another student to overcome his nerves about a different taxi driver to transport him to school. Ed not only supported him but volunteered to personally collect him every morning and share the daily taxi ride. Selfless actions such as these truly embody a strong community spirit and challenge the negative stereotypes of young people.

Angela enjoyed the opportunity to recognise some of the fantastic efforts that are being made by young people in the community. She said: “He really is an outstanding young man. I’m very proud to have had the opportunity to present him with this award.