DR UK Trustee and Chair of the People and Governance Committee, Shelley Simmonds, has recently been honoured by charity Muscular Dystrophy UK as their Carer of the Year for her voluntary work during the lockdown.
Shelley, whose son Fraser, aged eight, lives with the progressive condition Duchenne muscular dystrophy, was dedicated in campaigning and advocating during the pandemic through national media, radio and news channels on a huge range of issues. These included shielding, the vaccination of Disabled children and adults, and how missed medical appointments were impacting people’s quality of life.
Shelley’s writings through her popular blog, Fraser and Friends, created a real feeling of care and togetherness for the rare disease and Disabled community during the pandemic at a time when people felt alone.
Kamran Mallick, Chief Executive of Disability Rights UK said: “We’re delighted to see Shelley’s contribution recognised with this award.”
Shelley received her award in a surprise virtual ceremony in January with sports personality Gabby Logan where her positivity and knowledge was recognised as “an oasis in what can sometimes be a sea of pity”.