Our Soraya Kelly, the Barry breast cancer survivor whose triumph over adversity tale led to the launch of a global charity, has scooped a prestigious national award.
She has beaten hundreds of worthy women to take Hello magazine’s Star Mum Award 2020, which honours mothers who, while raising their family, still find the time to help others in need.
Thank you to all those in our beautiful Barry, and beyond, who stepped up support her by sharing her story far and wide, and casting those crucial votes.
The Star Mum Award focuses on women who may have overcome remarkable personal challenges. They also look for entries that espouse compassion, empathy and strength, wisdom and kindness.
So, it’s easy to see why Soraya shone through. Known for her “vision and fighting attitude”, mum of four Soraya, 51, works tirelessly to divert young people in Wales away from drugs and violence, and support their mental health using sport, education and paid work or training.
Diagnosed with grade 3 breast cancer three years ago, her campaign The ‘Gloves Are On’ initially just promoted early detection but her brave journey really caught the public’s imagination. This led to a number of new opportunities as she took the high profile initiative all around the country – with a particular focus on schools, youth centres, and young peoples’ sports facilities.
#TheGlovesAreOn (#TGAO) dedicated to providing a range of opportunities, education and support to children, young adults and their families on difficult and sensitive issues, gained official charity status in October 2019 – nearly two years to the day after Soraya was diagnosed with the potentially devastating disease.
Their health and wellbeing packages include support and advice on a range of issues that affect our youth. This includes, bullying and mental health issues, relationships and sexuality, gang culture and knife crime, bereavement and loss, exam and peer pressure, personal development and self-confidence
#TheGlovesAreOn work with schools, organisations, businesses, and third sector organisations to deliver this support. Their core team, who act as Role Models, are supported by a number of credible and respected Ambassadors.
Find out about all their latest projects, and how to get involved here.
A delighted Soraya said; “Since, the start of The Gloves Are On, we have had much success in helping our young people. We have made improvements in areas such as well-being, raised awareness on many social issues, and have broken down barriers with increased positivity on an individual and group youth basis.
Winning the Star Mum Award is a personal triumph, but, more importantly, it would give me, and my hard-working team, the perfect platform and profile to deliver the much-needed work that needs to be done – especially in this current unpredictable and anxious time.”
This year’s ceremony, the third Star Women awards, will see Soraya crowned Hello magazine Star Mum 2020 at a digital event hosted by broadcaster Kate Silverton.
Soraya’s staunch supporters gathered to watch the announcement at 5pm on Thursday December 17 at a special socially-distanced soirée at Barry’s Mount Rooms.
Massive congratulations to my fellow activist and fab friend.
Onwards and upwards.
Speak soon
Mrs SVJ
#TheGlovesAreOn registered charity number is 1185610. The Trustees are Kate Knight, Sue Vincent-Jones and Bel Lovelock-Edwards.
Sue Vincent-Jones, writing as Mrs SVJ, is a Barry born journalist, editor, and communications specialist. She blogs about Barry – and her life in the wider world, through the eyes of a, quirky and queer, local girl done good.
As a Trustee of #TheGlovesAreOn Sue promotes the work of the Charity, who are passionate about making a difference for our children and young people through education, guidance, and support. She is also both LGBTQ Lead, and Communications Advisor, for the collective.
Mrs SVJ, Barry’s Boldest Blogger, can be contacted here.