AN INSPIRING teenager from Crowthorne was among 183 others recognised for their social action and humanitarian efforts.

Lottie Leach, 18, who attends Wellington College won The Diana Award for her dedicated work raising awareness for mental health.

The student became determined to end the taboo on mental health after attempting to take her own life following years of depression and battling an eating disorder.

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In light of her positive work in destigmatise mental health and organised a 24-hour Danceathon which raised more than £3,000 for mental health charity Mind.

She said: “It is amazing and totally unexpected to win this award. I received a surprise email telling me I had been awarded it – normally my emails are just reminding me that I need to hand my homework in - not that I had won a worldwide award! I’m so honoured that by sharing my experiences on mental health I have been able to help other young people.”

Lottie was one of the 184 people – children and young adults – presented with a Diana Award accolade this year for social action or humanitarian efforts.

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The charity was set up in memory of the princess who was killed in a car crash in 1997 when Harry was just 12 and William 15.

The Diana Award celebrates exceptional young people who have demonstrated their ability to inspire and mobilise their own generation to service their communities through campaigning, volunteering, fundraising, fighting injustice or overcoming extreme life challenges. Although their causes and backgrounds are varied, what they all have in common is that they are changing their communities and the wider world.

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Lottie speaks openly about her own mental health experiences and has delivered school assemblies and external workshops for mental health workers and Designated Safeguarding Leads covering how to better support young people with their mental health.

James Dahl, had of Wellington College,said: “Huge congratulations to Lottie on this outstanding achievement – we could not be more proud of her. I have known her since she was 11 years old and her dedication to raising awareness of mental health issues in young people has embodied what Diana’s legacy means. Lottie has shown immense bravery, compassion, and leadership. She is a true inspiration to the Wellington Community and beyond.”