YOUNG CARER CROWNED BRITAIN’S UNSUNG HERO

An 18-year-old student and young carer from Newham, East London, has been crowned Britain’s Unsung Hero of 2020, thanks to a panel of judges including two West End stars. 

2020 burst onto the scene in the most unforgiving fashion, making life forever changed for the entire world. Globally, people have been restricted to their homes, unable to see or touch loved ones, and many losing their jobs and livelihood as a result of the pandemic. But we have seen glimmers of hope. While Joe Wicks got the nation fit, Captain Tom raised millions for the NHS Charities, and Marcus Rashford defeated the government by relentlessly campaigning for free school meals to help ensure no child goes hungry.

But what about the people who didn’t make it into news? Up and down the country people have been kinder to each other, they’ve been more supportive, and no task has been too big or too small. What a nation this is!

To support and highlight the everyday heroes, toiletries giant, Right Guard, launched a nationwide competition to find and celebrate people who sweat – not just physically, but emotionally too. The competition, which lasted an entire month, searched for those unassuming members of society who sweat for others in their community. Whether that be a dancing postie, a smiling supermarket security guard, or a fancy dressed delivery driver, Brits across the nation were nominated for their chance to win the title and prize.

One such individual is Adiba Salam, 18, who was nominated by her mentor from charity Carer’s First to win the competition.

Adiba was chosen for the top prize by a host of judges including West End Stars, Samuel Edwards and Emily Tierney. While caring for her brother and family by completing household chores and paying bills, Adiba volunteers for the British Heart Foundation, raising money for the cause and partaking in various activities for the charity. Adiba beat a host of nominees to win £2,000 for her selfless work during the pandemic.