Young Carer Wins Diana Award
Connexions Adviser and Ansbury employee, Toni May, successfully nominated a North Dorset pupil for the Diana Award for her role as a young carer for her father. Marie Cuff, who left Shaftesbury School in the summer, was delighted to receive the Diana Award.
Toni May explains: “I met Marie for the first time about a year ago and was really moved by her description of the caring relationship she has with her father who has Parkinson’s. Mr Cuff’s condition is degenerative; he has had pioneering brain surgery and is unable to stand if it were not for the implant.”
She contacted other professionals including Louise Lakeman from Young Carers, Suzanne Beadle, Education Social Worker and Val Millichamp a Teaching Assistant at Shaftesbury to support her nomination of Marie.
Toni continued: “Although Marie was granted the award in Spring, discussions with her head teacher helped us decide that the school’s autumn awards evening was the most prestigious occasion to present it. During this time Marie had no idea about the award, Dad and I kept it secret so it would be a surprise”.
Marie’s dad was overwhelmed to see his daughter gain the award, “I feel very proud and moved to be here”.
The award was presented by Chris Ruddick, a former award winner, who spoke about the work of Diana, Princess of Wales and what the Diana Award represents to the young people who have won it.<
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