In between the usual hectic list of meetings, casework and debates, it was my pleasure to meet a genuine local hero in Westminster this week. 

StreetGames are a charity dedicated to making sport available to young people, whatever their background.  They operate across the country and they do some very valuable work right here in Gloucester.  Since 2008, the local StreetGames Branch has worked to get the most out of the new multi-sport facilities across Gloucester.  They run continuous events to help local people become more physically active, improve their personal confidence and self esteem, and promote community involvement.

This week marked StreetGames’ third birthday and to celebrate they hosted a reception and awards ceremony in Parliament.  I was invited along to present the StreetGames’ Entrepreneur of the Year Award to Dani Jones from Matson.  Dani’s story is testimony that people, whatever the setbacks, can achieve anything they set their mind to. 

By her own admission Dani went ‘down a bad path’ and left school at 14.  There weren’t many options for Dani but she’d always had a passion for dance and one day went along to a dance class run by the ‘Together in Matson’ project. She really enjoyed the class and found out about Street Cheer, part of StreetGames Gloucester.  Soon enough Dani was studying for a Street Cheer coaching course and once she had qualified Dani was determined to help more local people get a chance to do something they love.  With the help of Morgan Lovell and Charlotte Galling from Gloucester City Council she established her own community dance group which has become a runaway success.  Dani now has a squad of about 70 boys and girls and plans to start a class for toddlers. Her dream is to set up her own dance school for deprived young people.

Dani is an inspiration and fully deserved her award.  Her story shows that sometimes all people need is a chance to show what they can do.  Some people would find leaving school at 14 an insurmountable setback, but Dani is responsible for all the club’s paperwork and budgeting.  I’m sure she’ll get that dance school very soon.

Parmjit Dhanda MP

Member of Parliament for Gloucester