Page 43 - Real Rochdale - Winter 2018

Sarah Mahmood

receives a

Diana Award

Shehrana Kausar, Sarah Mahmood, Tahir Mahmood,
and the Mayor of Rochdale, Mohammed Zaman

arah Mahmood, a former Member of She said: “I was very proud to receive the award
Rochdale Youth Parliament, was recently and am amazed that my hard work over the past
honoured with a ‘Diana Award’ at a special two years has been recognised.
ceremony at Leeds
SCollege of Music. “I’m really proud of what I have achieved so far and
look forward to the future.”
Nominated for her work in improving the lives of
young people in Rochdale, Sarah, 17, impressed Rochdale’s Member of Youth Parliament for
the judges with her determined campaign work via 2017/18, Sarah has taken a full and active role in
Rochdale Youth Cabinet, supported by Rochdale the youth service, securing funding for two
Youth Service and Neeli Mosque. additional mental health support workers in
Rochdale and successfully fund raised for
Established in memory of the Princess of Wales, important causes.
The Diana Award is the most prestigious accolade
a young person can receive for their social action or She also attended a House of Commons debate
humanitarian work. where she fought for mental health awareness and
support, along with reform of GCSE re-sits and
Sarah was joined by her mum and dad, Shehrana transport issues.
Kausar and Tahir Mahmood, the Mayor of
Rochdale, Mohammed Zaman, civic and ceremonial Sarah is now eligible for the Legacy Award, which
manager, Dorothy Johnstone, lead youth worker, celebrates the achievements of 20 outstanding role
Heather Mellalieu, Councillor Kieran Heakin, and models from across the world.
Samar Mushtaq, headteacher at Neeli Mosque.

REAL ROCHDALE - WINTER 2018 42 43 REAL ROCHDALE - WINTER 2018