A Brixton man who campaigns to tackle issues affecting young disabled people was praised by BBC Sports presenter Sue Barker for his work, as she presented him with a national charity award on Saturday.
Ravi Mehta, 26, was named as Muscular Dystrophy UK’s Trailblazer of the Year by Sue, who is president of the charity, during a ceremony in London.
She told how Ravi, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, has helped to encourage young disabled people to break down barriers to work, education and socialising through his membership of 600-strong young campaigners group, Muscular Dystrophy UK Trailblazers.
Ravi, who is a full-time wheelchair-user is a dedicated volunteer for the group.
He said: “I feel really honoured to be recognised with the award.
“I joined Trailblazers because I feel passionately about bringing about change for young disabled people in the UK.
“Anyone who has been affected by not being able to access a certain shop or has been left out because they are disabled should know they can take action to change things, and that there are so many ways that they can do this.
“Being part of Trailblazers has been an opportunity to build confidence and meet others in the same position.
“The highlight of the day was meeting Sue. She is such a friendly lady and I could tell just how dedicated she was to Muscular Dystrophy UK and the work that we are doing.”
Sue said: “Ravi is right at the heart of Trailblazers. He has been part of meetings in Parliament and at the Trailblazers’ events at every possible opportunity, and has helped to engage and encourage others.
“He is a great role-model for young disabled people. It was an honour to present him with his award.”
He has campaigned on issues ranging from access on public transport to the value of assistive technology for disabled people, regularly meeting with MPs and organising events and also blogs about his work.
