A Perth mum has joined the likes of Marcus Rashford and Lewis Hamilton in being shortlisted for a National Diversity Award.
Andrea-Leigh Melrose is one of just 126 out of over 50,000 nominees across the UK to be in line for a gong.
She is one of eight people in the positive role model for age category.
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 was born earlier this year.
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 donated Easter eggs to a food bank back in the spring, all while pregnant.
The PA had previously reported that she had been nominated, but Andrea-Leigh admits actually being shortlisted is a dream come true.
“I cannot believe it at all, it’s been a crazy day, I actually do not know what to do,” she said.
“I was so proud even to just be nominated but I didn’t think I would actually be one of those shortlisted.
“It’s mental. I feel like a little bit of a fraud. There was a judging panel of 25 people who chose me as well and that just feels amazing.”
Andrea-Leigh will find out if she has won at a ceremony at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral in February next year.
As well as England footballer Rashford and Formula One world champion Hamilton, others up for awards include Harvey Price, Ashley Banjo, Raheem Sterling and Rebecca Ferguson.
Andrea-Leigh, who reckons her own tough upbringing can be an inspiration for others, believes it is the perfect time to highlight diversity.
“It’s a great chance to just celebrate who you are,” she said.
“We should celebrate diversity.
“There have been two times in my life I have just wanted to give up, but thankfully I have been given another chance. My whole life I never felt like I was good enough for anyone.
“The stuff I have been through, I just try to use it as a positive and better myself as a person and to be recognised for that is incredible.”
The National Diversity Awards, in partnership with ITV News, celebrate the excellent achievements of grassroots communities that tackle the issues in today’s society, giving them recognition for their dedication and hard work.
