A University Centre Shrewsbury (UCS) student has been shortlisted for an award celebrating the strengths and achievements of people with Dyslexia.

History student Holly-Elizabeth Smith is a finalist in a Shining Star category of the 2017 Dyslexia Awards.

The Shropshire-wide Dyslexia Awards aim to raise awareness by celebrating the positive aspects of Dyslexia.

Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that can cause problems with reading, writing and spelling. It is estimated that up to one in every 10 to 20 people in the UK has some degree of Dyslexia.

Holly said:

“Being nominated for this award is proof to me that hard work does pay off and that nothing is an excuse to achieve what you want.”

Holly has shared her experiences as part of a ‘Dyslexia, It’s Not What You Think’ campaign at UCS to highlight different ways it can affect people’s lives, and break down misconceptions.

Comments from the people who nominated Holly include “Holly is such an inspiration” and “Holly wants to go into teaching to help with children that have Dyslexia and support them, a different wired brain can be wonderful”.

Holly was among the first undergraduates to study at UCS. She is a Student Ambassador, representing the institution at Open Days and other events. She also received the Best Student-Led Campaign award at the 2016 End of Year Ball for her awareness-raising activities during International Women’s Day, and the Fundraiser of the Year Award at the 2017 End of Year Ball for raising more than £1,000 for various charities. Holly’s fundraising included organising The Magnificent Severn sponsored row to buy adapted equipment for people to use at Pengwern Boat Club in Shrewsbury.

Holly has been nominated in one of 14 categories at the Dyslexia Awards. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on Saturday (November 25), at Enginuity in Coalbrookdale, Shropshire.

For more information about the awards go to www.theddc.org.uk/dyslexiaawards.

For further details about UCS go to www.ucshrewsbury.ac.uk.