‘Inspirational’ Harpenden volunteer named Point of Light by Prime Minister

A local research scientist has been recognised as an inspirational volunteer by Prime Minister David Cameron.

Beatriz Calvo, 48, from Harpenden, received a Point of Light award for dedicating her time and skills to an initiative working to tackle diseases and save hundreds of thousands of lives.

The Point of Light award recognises outstanding individual volunteers who make a change in their community and inspire others and winners are announced daily by Downing Street.

Beatriz uses her expertise in analysing data and mathematics, skills which few others possess, to support the Schistosomiasis Control Initiative (SCI), which has been working to tackle parasites carried by freshwater snails which kill 280,000 every year in sub-Saharan Africa.

Beatriz said: “I am honoured to have been granted the Point of Light Award from the Prime Minister.

“It has been a rewarding experience volunteering at the SCI and being able to contribute to what the team is doing to combat parasitic diseases.”

“I would like to thank them for giving me the opportunity to help in such vital work.”

The Prime Minister said: “Beatriz has shown fantastic dedication to working to eradicate a disease that kills hundreds of thousands of people every year.

“The specialist skills and knowledge required for this research work mean that few people are able to volunteer in this way.

Beatriz’s service could help make a huge difference to communities across Africa, and I am really pleased to recognise her as a Point of Light”.