The Diana Award, the most significant honour a young person can receive for their social action, has been awarded to Year 12 student, Philippa Walker.
A Patient and Public Involvement Representative at the University of Sheffield for the Clinical Trials Research Unit, Philippa is committed to helping children with scoliosis to better understand their situation. Philippa has recently created a video to be used in Chemists, Doctors surgeries, Hospitals and Schools around the country to educate individuals on early onset scoliosis.
Mr Raveen L. Jayasuriya, Specialist Registrar in Trauma & Orthopaedics at Sheffield Northern General Hospital, nominated Walker for the award:
“The Diana Award is about recognising inspiring, courageous and compassionate young people who positively transform the lives of others around them and beyond. Philippa has done great work to raise awareness of the adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Most recently she has kindly volunteered her time and expertise to be our patient representative on a research study team and a co-applicant on the successful grant application. Her input has helped shape the nature of the study, ensuring it is acceptable for patients.
Philippa is an incredible role model for her determination, resilience, and passion. She has shown her strengths in leadership, commitment and creativity. Her caring nature comes over in her patient information videos which are motivated by the mental health issues related to scoliosis. Her campaigning for increased screening doesn’t stop there, she would like to also focus on showing the younger population that it’s okay to be different. Philippa couldn't be a more deserving recipient of this award.”
According to Scoliosis Association UK, 2-3% of the population are living with scoliosis, so Philippa’s ambition to raise awareness is crucial. Speaking on her achievements, Philippa said: “I feel extremely honoured to receive this award, especially as now there will be a greater understanding of scoliosis through this exposure. It will help many young people across the globe and I will have the opportunity to achieve my goal: to educate schools, hospitals and doctors surgeries about scoliosis, so many cases can be caught early and improve their quality of life.”
The Worksop College community couldn't be more proud of Philippa's achievement. Dr John Price is pleased with her efforts, stating “I am thrilled that Philippa is getting the recognition she deserves for her incredible work. We cannot ask any more from our students than to pursue what they are passionate about, and for her involvement to help the wider community is certainly commendable.”
Watch the video created by Philippa below: