This year’s Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 awards took place on 20 November and we are absolutely thrilled to share that George in Year 8 was announced as Highly Commended with an award that celebrates his potential and ambition.

The Disability Power 100 awards is a flagship campaign celebrating disabled role models by the Shaw Trust, a leading employment charity which supports thousands of people to achieve their full potential. The awards seek to recognise the most influential disabled people in the UK at a purple-carpet event which celebrates impact, influence and innovation.

For the 2024 event, George successfully earnt a place as a finalist out of 786 nominations and, when all the winners were announced during the event at the Drum in Wembley last month, he heard he was one of three people to be Highly Commended for the Clare Gray Rising Star Award.

The Clare Gray Rising Star Award specifically recognises people at the start of their advocacy journey, who are beginning to make an impact and it acknowledges George’s tireless efforts to push for change. In his nomination for the award George explains, “My motivation is to make change for the better and to make the world a more inclusive and accepting place. My message is to never give up. Always challenge and push boundaries. No just isn’t an option.”

Talking after the event, George commented; “I am honoured to have made the final three of The Clare Gray Rising Star Award. When you have to advocate for the obvious, it can be extremely draining and hard to remain motivated and optimistic, but this is where often those in power want you to fall. It is pushing through that very painful wall until you get to the other side - whilst having to open doors to an insight into your life, and be vulnerable and authentic to empower support around you from friends, family and strangers - it is not easy. Never doubt yourself, not every professional knows better and believe in who you are.”

The judging panel for the Disability Power 100 is mostly made up of people who have been recognised by the Awards in previous years. This year 367 high-quality nominees were shortlisted. All the nominees are trailblazers and role models who are making a significant impact on the lives of disabled people in the UK, and who are working hard to build a more inclusive society. Being recognised says you are a disabled leader and a change maker. We are incredibly proud of George for this amazing accomplishment, and everything he does to drive positive change and inclusion - a massive well done George!