Emma Murray, 15, is an outstanding young person with a heart of gold. She has a younger sister with complex needs who is non-verbal and yet Emma manages to communicate with her in a unique way. Through her sister Emma came into contact with a local HCPT group and has travelled as a young helper since 2015. The HCPT group travels every Easter to Lourdes and supports a dozen children each year to have a pilgrimage and holiday, creating lifelong memories in a unique environment. No child is excluded and anyone can be nominated to travel. Emma sees through people’s disabilities, problems, challenges and communication difficulties, she only sees their talents, their beauty and the gifts that they can bring to their family and in the process has become an integral member of the group.
In Emma's own words she views her role as a friend to all the children and a helper to all. Emma is very aware of society’s perceptions of people who are different, she comes across this frequently when out and about with her sister. Emma provides encouragement, friendship and understanding and is a role model to children and adults alike. Emma is extremely perceptive and has the ability to know when a child is uncomfortable, may need more support or simply a smile and a reassuring hug!
Her HCPT group leader said, “Emma strives constantly to change the way that society views people with disability through being a good role model. She treats everyone equally and truly sees everyone as God’s work of art”.
Emma Murray, 15
HCPT, Rugby (Diocese of Portsmouth)