A YOUNG woman from York has been hailed as a “local champion”, after overcoming her own physical disabilities to encourage and support others.

Fiona Walker, of Merchant Court, who suffers from cerebral palsy, is an active member of York CVS, the Valuing People Partnership Board, and co-chairwoman and director of the York Independent Living Network.

Fiona said: “My cerebral palsy affects my mobility on a day-to-day basis, so things can be quite an effort and a challenge. But the challenge doesn’t stop me doing anything, and that’s the message I want to put across to other people. I don’t see a disability, it’s more of a challenge.”

Fiona started working with the board six years ago, after responding to a newspaper advert looking for people with disabilities to speak up for the disabled community.

She said: “I’ve always felt very passionately that people should have their own voices, and make them heard.

“Everyone has the same rights. It doesn’t matter if you have a disability, we are still people. I’m quite concerned at the moment about local government cutbacks, and making sure people who need care receive the right services and have their voices heard.”

Fiona’s work with the community has not gone unnoticed, and her dedication to helping others has led to her nomination as Volunteer Of The Year in this year’s Community Pride Awards.

Sue Reape, community facilitator with City of York Council, who nominated Fiona, said: “Fiona is an inspirational young woman who, despite her own disabilities, gives most of her time and energy to supporting and helping other people. She is a real local champion, an active member within her community and highly respected for her ability to influence attitudes and challenge discrimination in her own, unassuming way.

“She is a great volunteer role model for us all. Everyone who comes into contact with her sings her praises.

“I think if we had a few more like Fiona around, the world would be a better place.”

•This is the eighth year The Press has run the awards, in partnership with City of York Council and local businesses, which recognise the efforts of local people who make a difference to people in their community. All nominees must live or be based in the City of York Council tax area, and the winners will be invited to a ceremony in October. Nominations can be submitted online at thepress.co.uk/news/communitypride before Friday, July 22.