"Inspirational" Paige receives Honoured Citizen award from Lord Mayor

This article is published in today's Leicester Mercury:

"Inspirational" Paige receives Honoured Citizen award from Lord Mayor

An "inspirational" young champion for disabled people has been recognised for her efforts in changing the world for the better.

Paige Murray, who has cerebral palsy, has never been afraid to speak up for her beliefs and has tirelessly campaigned for disabled young people through her youth work in the city.

The 16-year-old, of Winstanley Drive, Braunstone, has now been given an Honoured Citizen award to celebrate her achievements.

It was presented at the Town Hall by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Roger Blackmore.Paige, who wants to be a disabled sports coach, says she has had a good mentor.She said: "I stand up for what I believe in, my mum's taught me to do that.

"I have a lot to do with improving society for young disabled people, it's my goal in life. I want to be heavily involved in making a difference.

"Disability sport is becoming more and more popular and I just think everyone is entitled to do it if they want.

"Getting this award has opened my eyes to what I can achieve, it's made me realise I can do anything if I set my mind to it."

Paige, who has a twin sister, Jade, has been involved in several projects, including the Streetvibe Youth Inclusion Project and Braunstone's youth panel.

She is also involved in the Big Mouth Forum for disabled children, attending conferences and giving presentations on the work being done to address disability access issues.

Mum Debra Murray said: "I'm extremely proud of her, she is so inspirational to other people – if she has something to say she is not afraid to say it.

"She started taking part in the Braunstone youth panel because she was being bullied and didn't want people to go through that."

Paige has also worked within the disabled children's services at the city council and, as a keen sportswoman, she has represented Leicester at both the Stoke Mandeville Youth Disability Games and the Rotary Disabled Games, winning a total of 10 medals.

Braunstone's councillor Anne Glover said: "Paige has quite a personality and that means people listen to her.

"It's very rare to get a child at a ward community meeting talking about getting more ramps for buildings. We were very impressed she turned up at all, let alone spoke to us."