AN 18-YEAR-OLD chronic illness and disability advocate has been nominated for the Positive Role Model Award for Disability at The National Diversity Awards 2022.

Aimee Gill, from Taunton, has been raising awareness of chronic illness and disabilities through her Instagram account since she was 14.

She suffers from multiple conditions and her goal is to “educate people about different chronic illnesses and disabilities whilst supporting others who are going through a similar thing”.

Aimee said: “What an honour to be nominated for this award - I’m truly in shock.
“I’m a chronic illness and disability advocate. I suffer from multiple conditions myself including Endometriosis, Adenomyosis, Alopecia, Fowlers Syndrome, and Autism.

“I initially started raising awareness of chronic illnesses and disabilities on Instagram back in 2018 when I was just 14 years old.

“I’d just been diagnosed with my first chronic illness and wanted to make sure no one felt alone in their battles like I did for so long. On my account, my goal is to educate people about different chronic illnesses and disabilities whilst supporting others who are going through a similar thing.

“I make sure that include diversity in my awareness too, for example advocating that Endometriosis and other menstrual health condition can affect all those that are assigned female at birth not just ‘women’.

“Since starting my account, I’ve branched out, appearing in newspapers, online articles, and podcasts. People often tell me that I’m an inspiration or role model and that they look up to me and that makes me feel so proud.

“I never want anyone to feel alone or scared in what they’re going through and if I can ease those feelings for someone even slightly then I’ve achieved my aim.

“I hope those that follow my account feel as happy from my support as I do when I know I have helped somebody. I am touched that one of my followers has nominated me for this award and being recognised for such a thing is a win in my eyes despite the outcome.”

The breathtaking Liverpool Anglican Cathedral will play host to this year’s awards, to be held on September 16.

Britain’s most inspirational and selfless people will come together to honour the rich tapestry of our nation, recognising individuals and groups from grassroots communities.

The prestigious black-tie event recognises nominees in their respective fields of diversity including age, disability, gender, race, faith, religion, and sexual orientation.

ITV News will be working in association with The National Diversity Awards to highlight role models and community organisations on regional and national news channels.

Rachel Corp, acting editor, ITV News said: “We are pleased that ITV News will once again be supporting the National Diversity Awards. ITV News remains committed to telling the stories of those, who through their work and dedication to helping others has made a difference; enhancing equality, diversity, and inclusion in our society.”

The UK’s largest diversity awards have attracted a growing list of supporters including Adam Hills, Graham Norton, and Katie Piper.

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; it 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.”

The National Diversity Awards receives over 60,000 nominations and votes annually.

Founder and CEO 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”.

Nominations are now open and close on May 20.

Shortlisted nominees will be announced shortly after this date.

To nominate please visit: www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk

For a nomination form please email: emma@nationaldiversityawards.co.uk