A young Perth woman has been nominated for a prestigious award for being an inspiration to those around her.
Andrea-Leigh Melrose is up for a positive role model gong at the National Diversity Awards, in partnership with ITV News.
The 22-year-old has been a charity campaigner in Perth while also completing a course in psychology and counselling at Abertay University.
On top of that she runs two businesses while also taking care of her daughters Eliyanah, aged four, and Amariyah, who is just eight weeks old.
Andrea is also part of Team Scotland at the upcoming Miss European Global beauty pageant having previously picked up the Miss Charity award at the event.
It has been an incredible journey for the former Perth Academy and Robert Douglas Memorial pupil, who has previously suffered abuse and was bullied at school because of her race and weight.
Andrea, who was born in South Africa and has Persian and Hebrew ancestry, completed a charity cycle last year for breast cancer and recently donated Easter eggs to a food bank, all while pregnant.
And she told the Perthshire Advertiser she had been overwhelmed by her nomination.
“People obviously think I am a positive role model,” she said. “I have two young girls and I am still going to university and run two businesses.
“It’s so humbling and so lovely that I inspire others. It’s such a lovely award to be nominated for.
“It honestly makes me so emotional. I don’t have a lot of confidence and I don’t do anything to receive anything back.
“I just enjoy making people happy. I want to inspire people to be the best version of themselves.”
Andrea has already gained dozens of nominations on the awards website.
One reads: “Andrea-Leigh is an inspiration to others, she is always putting everyone before herself and is always the most caring, thoughtful person. She has a beautiful soul.”
Another states: “She is a strong, independent and beautiful woman. She is an entrepreneur and a mum, but still finds the time to study, so that she can make a better life for her family. She is an inspiration to all women and deserves to win the award.”
Andrea, who works as a support practitioner as well as running hair and make-up and balloon businesses, admits to being overwhelmed by the plaudits, but says her biggest fans are her daughters and partner Dean Boyd.
“Reading all the nominations from people, I was in shock and really overwhelmed by it all,” she said. “I honestly did not think I had that much of an impact.
“My daughters and partner are my biggest cheerleaders. Without them, I wouldn’t be half the person I am today.”
The awards will take place on September 17, 2021. People can continue to nominate Andrea up until June 4.
Go to https://nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/nominate/32802/
The National Diversity Awards celebrate the excellent achievements of grassroots communities that tackle the issues in today’s society, giving them recognition for their dedication and hard work.
