A Great Warford woman who works with gyms across the region to give young people a safe place to express themselves has been recognised by the Prime Minister.
Charlotte Gilley turned to exercise as a way of dealing with her anxiety and realised others too could benefit.
She set up Maverick Stars Trust, working with gyms across the North West turning them into community hubs and offering food schemes, free health, and wellbeing classes and more to vulnerable people.
Mrs Gilley has been recognised by Boris Johnson for her outstanding work, and presented with a certificate by her local MP, Tatton’s Esther McVey.
Mrs Gilley said: “I would like to convey how delighted I am to be recognised in this way. Hopefully this award will encourage more people to get involved in sport. The boxing community is truly special and our aim is to continue to inspire young people to follow the right path.”
Ms McVey said: “Charlotte is an inspiration and I was delighted to have been able to present her with her award from the Prime Minister in recognition of all that she has done for so many people across Cheshire and the wider region.”
Government’s Points of Light award for outstanding individual volunteers who are making a change in their community.
In a personal letter to Charlotte, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “I was inspired to hear about ‘Maverick Stars Trust’ and how you use sport as a force for good.
“From your own journey with anxiety, you know the importance of exercise on mental wellbeing and I was delighted to hear how many people have benefitted from your unique programmes.
“Whether steering young people away from violence, providing food schemes and or giving free classes to veterans and vulnerable groups, you are transforming lives through the power of boxing.”
