A Cirencester woman has been nominated for a national award for empowering those with disabilities.
Sandie Roberts, a local influencer, body confidence advocate and disabled role model, has been nominated for the Positive Role Model Award for Disability at The National Diversity Awards 2022.
Sandie's life was turned upside-down after collapsing at work in 2019.
A suspected stroke led to tests and eventually a diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder - a problem with the functioning of the nervous system.
The 51-year-old, who now uses a wheelchair, felt she had lost of her sense of identity, but worked to forge a new version of herself and is now on a mission to encourage and empower others with a disability to boldly live life “in full colour”.
Sandie has gone on to appear as a body confidence expert on ITV’s This Morning and modelled at several events during London Fashion Week in February 2022.
“Humans are incredible," said Sandie.
"We are imperfect. We are strong. We are powerful. And we can change the world."
Nominations have now closed and a shortlist will be announced ahead of an awards ceremony at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral on September 16.
The prestigious black-tie event recognises nominees in their respective fields of diversity including age, disability, gender, race, faith, religion and sexual orientation.
Sir Lenny Henry CBE, last year’s winner of the Celebrity of the Year gong, said: “Diversity to me means involving everybody without any discrimination; its means having integrated groups in society, it means fairness and total inclusion and that’s what the National Diversity Awards are about.
"Congratulations to everyone who has been nominated, you’re all doing a fantastic job, rock on!”
Founder & CEO of The National Diversity Awards, Paul Sesay, said: “As we enter our 11th awards season, The National Diversity Awards prepare to welcome a host of outstanding role models and charities to our family.
"We look to those who represent progress, spirit and resilience, and I cannot wait to learn about the wonderful work being carried out this year.”
Source - Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard