Maggie Turner OBE presents Diana Awards to “inspirational” local girls.

A PLUCKY student praised for her “courageous and positive approach” after successfully battling cancer and making an outstanding contribution to her school has received a Diana Award.

Molly Hunt, a Year 12 pupil at St Albans Girls’ School (STAGS), has organised several charity events, her latest being to put on a dance show in spring to raise money for a medical charity.

Fellow student Marieke Stewart, 18, received a Diana Anti-Bullying Award for helping to combat bullying at STAGS.

Assistant head teacher John Doyle explained: “Molly has made an outstanding contribution to the school council and other school and student bodies. For example she has developed a diversity policy for the school.

“Throughout her battle with cancer Molly remained giving, thoughtful and caring, always putting the needs of others before herself. She is a natural leader, a positive role model and an inspiration to others in her courageous and positive approach to life.”

Molly is now busy raising funds for the children’s ward of the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital.

Mr Doyle said that Marieke had mediated between a victim of bullying and her bullies. He added: “She continued to support and mentor the young person afterwards, helping to build her self esteem.

“She has a way of talking to both girls being bullied and those bullying, and has resolved conflicts at school.”

The Diana Awards are for young people aged between 12 and 18, who have made a sustained, selfless contribution to their community. The Prime Minister, David Cameron, is a patron of the award which is a legacy to the late Princess Diana. Award ambassadors include singer and model Sinitta.