Bella Field, (pictured second left), who was crowned a Rotary Young Citizen in 2015 for her inspirational contribution to her community, has been chosen as one of twelve outstanding young people, from across the world, to take centre stage for The Diana Award’s Change_Makers campaign.
The campaign kicks-off their 20th anniversary year to drive a new wave of nominations from across the world for an award in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales.
Bella’s sister, Molly, tragically passed away from a brain tumour at the age of just 8.
In her sister’s memory, Bella, now aged 13, has raised over £100,000 over the last seven years for Haven House Children’s Hospice in her home community of Woodford Green in Essex.
Haven House’s bereavement services supported Bella and her family during Molly’s time there, and Bella has also since become a ‘buddy’ for other children who have siblings with life-limiting illnesses.
“Molly inspired me because she always cared about others and I wanted to be like her.” Said Bella.
“Haven House gave me and my family a place to stay while we could say goodbye to Molly so we felt like we should pay them back, and that’s why I do my fundraising for them.”
It was these incredible efforts that led to her being recognised by both Rotary Young Citizen Awards and The Diana Awards in 2015, two of the most prestigious accolades a young person can receive for their social action or humanitarian work.
She also had the opportunity to speak in front of a 17,000-strong audience at the Rotary Convention in São Paulo, where her story of courage and determination received a standing ovation.
I hope that this campaign helps to recognise more young people who make positive changes to the world.”
All the young people leading the Change_Makers campaign alongside Bella – who come from the UK, USA, Canada, India and UAE – challenge negative stereotypes young people are often labelled with.
On being selected, Bella commented, “I am honoured to have been asked to be part of the Change_Maker campaign.
I hope that this campaign helps to recognise more young people who make positive changes to the world.”
Tessy Ojo, CEO of The Diana Award, added, “The stories of the twelve young people, taking part in this campaign to mark our 20th anniversary will drive a new wave of nominations and inspire others to make positive change.
“Our research reveals that the vast majority of young people want to make a positive impact on society.”
The Rotary Young Citizen Awards, now in their 12th year, will be recognising even more outstanding young people at the Rotary Conference and Showcase in Nottingham from 10th-12th May 2019.
Find out more about The Diana Awards Change_Makers campaign on their website.
