Manchester volunteer nominated for Coronation Champions Awards for tireless work with disabled children and families

The awards aim to celebrate exceptional volunteers from across the country and are being held to mark the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort.

Sherita is a passionate advocate for families and children living with disabilities and founded the Dimobi Children Disability Trust in 2016.

She is the mother of two disabled children. When her first son Obinna was born with additional needs it regrettably took her time to process, as at the time, she did not have the necessary information and tools.

Sherita worked hard to learn and understand her son’s disabilities and has gone on to become an advocate for early intervention, and gives her time to support other families with disabled children.

She has now been nominated for her tireless efforts to support families and children living with disabilities and for the significant difference she makes in their lives.

Speaking to I Love Manchester, Sherita said:  “When we first noticed signs of challenging behaviours in Obinna, I was in denial and refusing to face up to the truth, because of my own misconceptions at the time. Eventually, our son went to a specialist school where he got help and support and has now excelled beyond our expectations.

“This only became possible after I came out of denial, put in work to understand disability and what my son was going through. Unfortunately, my story is not an isolated one in Black Asian, and minority ethnic communities, which is why I founded Dimobi Children Disability Trust, to make a difference in the lives of children with disabilities, and their families.

“Through my volunteer work, I have been able to raise awareness and provide support to those who need it. I have become a voice for parents and carers of children with disabilities in North Manchester and have used my voice to have a positive impact.

“I was touched when I learnt I had been nominated for the Coronation Champions Awards. Being able to make a difference and positively shape the lives of children with disabilities and their families has been so rewarding.”

The Coronation Champions Awards will recognise a total of 500 volunteers, who will be invited to attend one of the official Coronation celebrations.

Each of the champions will also receive a specially designed pin and a certificate signed by His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort.

Sherita was thrilled to be nominated for the award and said that being able to make a positive impact on the lives of children with disabilities and their families had been incredibly rewarding.

Her work has helped raise awareness and provide support to those who need it. She has become a voice for parents and carers of children with disabilities in North Manchester, and through her volunteer work, she has used her voice to have a positive impact.

The Coronation Champions Awards were launched by Her Majesty The Queen Consort, who said that millions of unsung heroes across the country were contributing to their local communities and making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Her Majesty The Queen Consort said: “Up and down the country, millions of unsung heroes are contributing to their local communities, giving generously of their time and their talents to enhance the lives of others

“If you know a volunteer who is making a difference, please be sure to share their story.  We would love to hear about them!”

The awards invite people across the UK to nominate their local volunteering heroes who are going the extra mile, across eight award categories.

The awards also aim to inspire the next generation of volunteers and will recognise rising stars as ‘Young Coronation Champions’ (aged 14-18).

Nominations for the Coronation Champions Awards will close on Sunday 2nd April.

To nominate a volunteer, visit: www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/coronation-champions-awards.