The 19-year-old second year student, originally from Ilford, established a ‘Meals for the Homeless’ project while volunteering with the British Asian Christian Association during the pandemic.

At her project, more than 100 homeless individuals and struggling families received hot meals and a food bank service twice a day. She also helped 22 people experiencing homelessness to find temporary housing through the Redbridge Housing Unit.

“Winning this award is a testament to all the volunteers and the local community in Ilford who helped me establish a lifeline for homeless people in Redbridge,” said Hannah.

I hope more young people take up the award and embark on their trajectory towards personal development.”

“It proves that communities can resolve their own problems if they decide to work together. I’m grateful to the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, not only for the platform that being named a Leadership Trailblazer provides but also for the Bronze, Silver, and Gold award program that offered invaluable transferable skills and bolstered my resilience.

“I hope more young people take up the award and embark on their trajectory towards personal development.”

Duke of Edinburgh chair of trustees and Paralympian, Baroness Grey-Thompson DBE, judged the Trailblazer of the Year entries. She said: “The category celebrates the young people who demonstrate incredible leadership skills by using their voices to make a difference, who lead the way, or who advocate for others.

“Hannah has done all of this and more and did it before she left for university. Hannah’s continued commitment to supporting others is inspirational and I am excited to see where her advocacy work takes her next.”