People

Inspirational speaker nominated for national award as voting closes today

Good News Post

May 19, 2026 — 1 min read

Ellise Hollie Hayward

By The Editor

Today is the last chance to vote for an inspirational speaker from Somerset living with cerebral palsy who has been nominated for a prestigious national honour.

Ellise Hollie Hayward, Disability Editor for Good News Post and Jill Dando News, is shortlisted for the Positive Role Model Award at the National Diversity Awards 2026 — and supporters have until the end of today to cast their vote.

Her story is nothing short of extraordinary.

Born with cerebral palsy affecting all four limbs, doctors predicted Ellise would never walk, talk or communicate.

Unable to speak verbally, she instead found her voice through eye-gaze technology — a breakthrough that transformed her ability to connect with the world.

Now, she captivates audiences across the UK, speaking at schools, conferences and even in Parliament, where she was hosted by Mr Speaker.

Her inspiring message has also reached national and international audiences through appearances on CBS News and West Country ITV News. She also contributed to the Channel 4 programme Welcoming Differences, helping raise awareness and understanding of life with cerebral palsy.

Ellise, a former student at Preston School, said:

“Being nominated for a National Diversity Award is a huge honour. Just to be nominated is an achievement.

“Life is so beautiful and I feel so privileged to be able to encourage and inspire people through whatever challenges they face.

“It’s in overcoming difficulties that we grow stronger — and it’s so important to come through them wanting to help others.”

Alongside her speaking work, Ellise champions the stories of others with disabilities, sharing uplifting and often overlooked experiences through her journalism for Good News Post and beyond.

She also serves as an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Ambassador, an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Ambassador at Ashton Park School, and a trustee at Teach Us Too.

While her journey has included overcoming significant physical challenges, Ellise has also conquered shyness, fear and the pressure of standing out — emerging as one of the UK’s most inspiring voices for inclusion and change.

Supporters can vote for Ellise online today before voting closes here

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