Fundraiser Kate Hardcastle has been named as an ambassador for a charity set up in memory of Princess Diana.
The Diana Award is presented to young people who are doing good things in their local communities.
It was established as a legacy for the princess, who believed that young people could change the world.
Kate, co-founder of Huddersfield-based business transformation agency Insight With Passion and fundraising singing group The Charity Dreamgirls, will be involved in promoting the award.
She said: “I am proud to be an ambassador for the Diana Award and I look forward to meeting more inspirational young people.
“The Diana Award is presented to young people who have made an outstanding contribution to their local communities.
“It is fantastic that their dedication, bravery and selflessness is celebrated with an award.”
Kate is one of only five ambassadors for the Diana Awards in the UK and internationally and the only one in the north.
Tessy Ojo, Diana Award executive director, said “We are delighted Kate has chosen to be an ambassador for the Diana Award.
“Kate is an excellent role model for young people and was warmly accepted by our award holders at our last award ceremony.
“Her passion for young people and drive to help them reach their potential makes her an excellent Ambassador. We look forward to working with Kate over the next year.”
Among Kate’s many commitments, she heads a national campaign, Positive Image, which aims to provide mentors and role models to help young people build up their confidence and self-esteem.
The announcement of Kate’s new role came as the Huddersfield-born businesswoman gave details of a “wish list” of charities and good causes she will be supporting over the next 12 months.
Representatives of those organisations attended an official unveiling of the wish list at the Cedar Court Hotel, Ainley Top, which was held on the birthday of Kate’s “hero” – her late grandfather Ken.
The list includes supporting Overgate Hospice at Elland, backing the Homestart programme for families, supporting help for young people coping with bullying, funding the microchipping of 150 cats and dogs for needy families and supporting a charity pantomime at Huddersfield YMCA.
The Charity Dreamgirls, which has raised many thousands of pounds for lesser-known charities, will support the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice when it stages its seventh annual charity concert later this year.
Insight With Passion takes an ethical stance by devoting 20% of employees’ time to community causes, including free advice to micro-businesses.
Kate, who was named Tesco Mum of the Year, has also worked to support women’s cancer charity The Eve Appeal, her nominated charity at Super League team the Bradford Bulls, where she is a director. Kate also sits on the UK grant board of the Women’s Sports Trust.
