I am so incredibly honoured to receive this award. It was completely unexpected, which makes it an even greater privilege. In the depths of mental illness, you can often feel so lost - without a voice, without direction, without a future - and too often the systems you find yourself within only compound that sense of brokenness. My hope is that this recognition not only brings greater visibility to eating disorders and the difficult health and social landscapes those affected are navigating, but also offers a flicker of light to anyone in the heart of struggle - a reminder that darkness can be overcome, and that even the most painful experiences can be harnessed to grow quiet voices into forces of change.

That a National Charity like Rethink Mental Illness has recognised the hard work of my group Mental Health Carers Group Stockport and myself in campaigning for a better quality of life for working aged people with a long-term severe mental illness means the world to me - but especially this year when we are petitioning the Government for better funding for research into chronic psychotic illnesses! To have Rethink’s support is fantastic!

I’m truly honoured to be named runner-up for the Janey Antoniou Campaigner of the Year Award. To be recognised alongside so many inspiring campaigners who are working tirelessly to improve the lives of people affected by mental illness is deeply humbling. Janey’s legacy is a powerful reminder of the impact one voice can have, and I am grateful to be part of continuing that important work. Thank you to the judges and to everyone who has supported me on this journey.