A devoted schoolgirl from Elderslie has been given the royal seal of approval for her impressive dedication to volunteer work.
Mariya Javed is one of 500 people from across the UK who have been recognised as Coronation Champions for their unwavering commitment to helping others.
Mariya impressed judges with her steadfast resolve to keep her 13-year-old brother’s memory alive after his sudden passing in 2017. Along with her parents and Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, she helped to set up Another Star in the Sky in his memory.
Commenting on becoming a Coronation Champion, Mariya said: “I am honoured to be crowned a Coronation Champion but I never thought I would get all this recognition.
“I just want to honour my brother, to make him proud of me and to help other young people who may sadly find themselves in a situation similar to mine.
“I would like to thank everyone at Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity for all the support they continue to give me, and to all my family, friends and supporters for their continued love and encouragement.”
Despite her grief, Mariya has taken part in numerous charity events and raised approximately £20,000 for research into AVM – the rare condition that took her brother, and to fund bereavement services.
And at the weekend, Mariya completed her seventh Kiltwalk supported by over 40 friends and family in a bid to raise more cash to honour her brother.
She has also campaigned for the inclusion of compulsory bereavement education into the Scottish school curriculum.
All Coronation Champions, including Mariya, have been invited to attend one of the official Coronation celebrations, such as the Windsor Castle Coronation Concert or a Coronation Garden Party.
They will also receive a specially designed, official Coronation Champions pin and a certificate signed by Their Majesties.
Colonel Peter McCarthy, His Majesty The King’s personal representative for Renfrewshire, said: “I am delighted to learn that Mariya has been recognised as a Coronation Champion.
“Mariya is one of only 500 Coronation Champions across the UK selected from thousands of nominations and one of the youngest in Scotland.
“This is such a wonderful accolade for all of Mariya’s outstanding volunteering and fundraising activity, which has been such an inspiration to everyone in the Glasgow Children’s Hospital
community.”
The Coronation Champions Awards invited people across the UK to nominate their local volunteering heroes who are going the extra mile. Nominations were made across eight award categories; supporting older people; supporting young people and children; crisis and welfare; community; sports, culture, and heritage; health and care; sustainability and the environment; and animal welfare.
Catherine Johnstone CBE, chief executive of Royal Voluntary Service, said: “Each of our Coronation Champions displayed a commitment and contribution that far exceeds any expectation and we’re overjoyed to honour and thank them during this exciting point in history.”
Don't miss the latest Renfrewshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
