This week in Parliament, I had the pleasure of attending ONE’S Global Changemaker awards to celebrate the amazing achievements of proud Fallowfield resident, Lydia Ina at ONE’s Global Changemaker awards ceremony. I was incredibly proud to nominate her for this award and even prouder to see her receive it in Parliament this week.

Lydia has dedicated her life to improving the wellbeing of children and ensuring that disadvantaged children are provided with opportunities to thrive and succeed. Having been a foster carer carer for 23 years with Manchester City Council, she has given a home to over 300 children, earning her the title of Nigeria’s ‘Mother Theresa’ and her work serves as an inspiration to people all over Manchester.

Her work also extends beyond Manchester, having founded an orphanage in Calabar, southern Nigeria. Known as the Gapolunya Foundation, the orphanage provides children with food, shelter, clothing and access to education. Thanks to her incredible work, Lydia told me that some of the children from her orphanage have gone on to schools to study engineering.

I was delighted to invite Lydia to visit Parliament for a tour before her awards ceremony and she had a wonderful time touring the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Her hard work has seen her win awards and gain national recognition. Last year she was crowned The Marcus Rashford Children’s Champions at the Pride of Britain Awards and this year she received a Points of Light award from the Prime Minister. I am delighted that she is able to add ONE’s Global Changemaker Award to her growing awards cabinet!

Lydia is a testament to the people of Manchester and I’d like to pay tribute for all the work she has done for our city and it’s young people. I hope Lydia’s remarkable story will inspire more Global Changemakers across the constituency and Greater Manchester.