A TEENAGE volunteer from Bradford who only moved to the country six years ago has been chosen as one of the nation’s Coronation Champions.

Almost 5,000 nominations were received in total for the awards and Shamza Butt, 18, is one of 500 outstanding volunteers to be chosen as the nation’s Coronation Champions.

Shamza was nominated for the award by NCS (National Citizen Service) Trust, for her work helping others be celebrated or have a voice and for working on campaigns around crime and bullying.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Shamza Butt, of Bradford, during her trip to a Buckingham Palace garden party Shamza Butt, of Bradford, during her trip to a Buckingham Palace garden party (Image: NCS Trust)

As a Coronation Champion, Shamza will receive a specially designed, official Coronation Champions pin and a certificate signed by His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort.

Shamza also received an invite to attend a Coronation Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, where she mingled alongside Their Majesties and other members of the Royal Family.

She said: “Achieving this honourable award in less than six years being in the UK fills me with a sense of pride and accomplishment, and I look forward to continuing with all the volunteering work and doing more for my community as I spend more time getting to know my city.

“It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to be invited to Buckingham Palace for the garden party.

“I had the chance to speak to so many people who are doing great things in their communities, key workers, teachers, mentors and many volunteers.

“Listening to their journeys make me once again realise the power of volunteering and how it can positively impact a community.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Shamza Butt was recognised for her host of volunteering work Shamza Butt was recognised for her host of volunteering work (Image: NCS Trust)

When Shamza arrived in the UK from Italy in 2017 she couldn’t speak English, was low on confidence and had to adapt to a new life in West Yorkshire. Fast forward to now and she has taken on a swathe of volunteering opportunities to encourage positive change.

Volunteering with NCS back in 2020 was the kick-start Shamza needed. She helped create a project that celebrated key workers in Bradford.

A mural was displayed at local landmarks celebrating the city’s diversity. The eye-catching campaign even earned her a trip to a Downing Street reception with the Prime Minister.

Next, Shamza and her NCS team helped the train operator Northern develop a video that raised awareness of unwanted sexual behaviour on public transport.

As well as volunteering at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Shamza is also Peer Researcher for the Peer Action Collective (PAC), working on campaigns around crime and bullying.