A TEENAGER who witnessed domestic violence first hand and now supports victims has received a prestigious award.
Cora-Laine Moynihan from Warwick received the Legacy ‘Diana’ Award – given 20 people from across the world who embody the the late Princess Diana’s qualities of kindness, compassion and service.
The 18-year-old received the award for supporting survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence through fund-raising for Warwick-based charity Safeline.
The charity supported her after she witnessed domestic abuse throughout her childhood, and for the past five years she has continued to raise funds to develop young people’s projects and support services.
Ahead of the ceremony she met Diana’s son The Duke of Cambridge at Kensington Palace, before the award was presented to her by Diana’s brother Earl Spencer.
Cora-Laine said: “Receiving the award has been an absolute honour. To have been selected and be supported by an amazing organisation such as The Diana Award will continue to come as a shock to me.
“Each of the award holders are so inspiring, they are making great changes in the world, just like Princess Diana did. They saw something that needed to change and work so hard to do so.”
Award winners have come from across the UK, Canada, Malaysia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Nepal, and India and have been recognised for their impact on society.
But it was Cora-Laine’s tireless support for Safeline which led her to be recognised.
Along with raising thousands of pounds for the charity, she is a peer mentor and ambassador – a role which sees her promote its services throughout the UK.
Currently she is working alongside her sister to develop a new project called Hope Quest, which aims to give opportunities to young survivors.
And Safeline says she has made a huge impact on the charity.
A spokesman said: “Cora-Laine‘s involvement has inspired countless young people who have suffered abuse. By sharing her experience it has had a direct effect of improving their health and well-being.
“She has developed into an amazing ambassador for young people with her drive, determination and tenacity to make a difference.”
Visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/hopequest to donate to Cora-Laine’s fund-raising page.
