There was fantastic news last week that Redbridge Labour councillor Rosa Gomez has been shortlisted for a prestigious local government award.

Rosa is in the running to win the Resilience and Recovery category in the national awards run by the Local Government Information Unit and charity investment managers CCLA.

Labour councillor for Churchfields since 2018, Rosa truly deserves this recognition.

A human rights campaigner, Rosa was shot in Colombia in 2010, which resulted in the loss of her eyesight and use of her hands.

A mother of two, difficult times beckoned as she found herself marooned in Woodford.

Rosa gradually started getting involved in the local community. She joined ActivEyes Redbridge, a group that provided support.

Rosa’s community activism then led to her standing as a local Labour councillor in Churchfields in 2018.

A strongly Conservative ward up to that point, Rosa took one of the seats, the other two remaining Conservative.

Over the next four years, Rosa provided a strong voice on equality, women’s safety and disability rights. She has fiercely stood up for her local community, something recognised by the electorate last May, with Rosa increasing her majority. She was also joined by fellow Labour councillors Guy Williams and Lloyd Duddridge to give the party a clean sweep in the ward.

Life has not been easy for Rosa, as a disabled person trying to serve her constituents on the council, but she has done a brilliant job. This is something that the local residents clearly recognise.

What Rosa’s story also illustrates is the importance of providing the support and nurturing in order that people from all walks of life can come forward to represent their communities. This means making facilities accessible to everyone and providing adequate financial support in order that it is possible to play a part.

Rosa has been a shining example of how it is possible to overcome adversity. Let’s hope she wins that award when it is announced on October 20 - no one would deserve it more.