Michaela named as one of the top 100 inspirational women this year

Michaela named as one of the top 100 inspirational women this year

18 November 2015

MICHAELA Hollywood has been named among the world’s most influential women.

Each year the BBC names its 100 most inspirational women from the fields of politics, science, entertainment and everyday life who are working to change their world — and this year the Crossgar woman is among them.

Michaela (25), who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy, has previously been recognised by Prime Minister David Cameron for her services to young disabled people.

After experiencing difficulties accessing a music concert in Belfast in 2008 she founded Trailblazers, which lobbies for disabled youth.

Starting with a group of 20 peers in her local area, Muscular Dystrophy UK then secured £250,000 to expand the network to the rest of the UK.

Its aim is to fight the social injustices experienced by young disabled people and to ensure they can gain access to education, employment and other services.

Michaela said she was “hugely honoured” to have been included among the 100.

“I’m delighted to be named among so many incredible, empowering women from right across the world,” said Michaela.

“It is a huge honour to represent Northern Ireland on a world stage and it will hopefully help to make society more inclusive.

“Not only is it an accolade for me and an honour for me to have been named in the list, but I think that it is a big accolade for all those that are involved in the charity work of Trailblazers.

“This recognition proves that Trailblazers are making a difference, and I believe it is every bit as much a group accolade as it is for me. 

“I look forward to continuing working with everyone to push society forward as we move onwards to improve the lives of individuals living with disabilities in the UK.”

Michaela, who studied Public Relations at university and graduated with a First Class Honours degree, and was recently awarded a Masters degree, has now got a full-time job working with Trailblazers.

Nic Bungay, from Muscular Dystrophy UK, said: “We are incredibly proud of Michaela. She is a huge inspiration to other young people with muscle-wasting conditions and it’s wonderful to see the BBC recognising her achievements. Well done Michaela.”

This year the BBC’s 100 inspirational women included octogenarians sharing life lessons, film-makers, nurses, teachers, ‘30 under 30’ entrepreneurs and high profile women such as Britain’s first female boxing Olympic champion Nicola Adams, and virtuoso violinist Nicola Benedetti.