HMS Heroes receive Diana Award

Plymouth HMS Heroes have proudly announced that their youth ambassadors have been publicly honoured with a Diana Award, which will be presented to them by the Lord Mayor at Elliot Terrace.

The Diana Award was established in 1999 as a lasting legacy to Diana, Princess of Wales’ belief that young people have the power to change the world.

The Award, which is being presented to the youngsters on Thursday (3 October) at 7pm at Elliott Terrace, exists to celebrate young people who support and strive to improve their communities. 38,000 inspirational young people have received the Diana Award for demonstrating the qualities associated with the late Princess – compassion and selfless commitment to improving the lives of others.

Laurie Foxcroft, Kat Goodsell, James Wren and Shelby Main from the HMS Heroes Service Children’s Group, received the Diana Award in July for being Diana Active Campaigners in their local community on behalf of Forces children and young people.

HMS Heroes Ambassadors support the younger members of this fast growing community of Service and Veteran’s children, who work to support each other through mutual understanding and focused projects.

The Ambassadors’ highly successful film about the challenges of life for Service children, ‘At your Service’ has been shared nation-wide and is based upon the life experiences of Hero members of all ages. The Ambassadors researched the film, created the content, auditioned the actors and supported direction on set during filming. It can be accessed at www.hmsheroes.co.uk.

They have lobbied their local MPs and the Speaker of the House of Commons on a range of issues brought forward by the wider group and have actively supported the development of the Military Kids Choir.

“We, at HMS Heroes, are extremely proud of our Ambassadors. The Diana Award will encourage them to continue their work and will hopefully inspire others to stand up for their beliefs.” explains Heather Ogburn, National Chairperson for HMS Heroes.

Award holders join the Diana Network, a programme offering young people the opportunity to volunteer, gain valuable life skills and chances to put them into practice with internships and work placements in the UK.

Tessy Ojo, Executive Director of the Diana Award, said: “The Diana Award is proud to recognise young campaigners, like HMS Heroes Youth Ambassadors, who have the confidence and courage to stand up for what they believe. The Diana Active Campaigner Award is presented to inspirational young people who have made a positive difference in the community. With a growing network of 38,000 award holders, we are building a force of young people who are committed to taking social action and improving our communities.”

For more information on the Diana Award or to make a nomination visit www.diana-awards.org.uk.

For further information about HMS Heroes contact Heather Ogburn on 01752 779657 or email hmsheroes@btinternet.com.