Milton Keynes man receives Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award for anti-bullying programme

Alex (right) with Martin Luther King III, the son of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr

Alex Holmes, Deputy CEO at The Diana Award has been selected as one of six young peopl to receive a Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award.

He is the first person from the UK to receive the accolade.

Alex who grew up in Milton Keynes, Stony Stratford and is now based in London, was presented with his award on September 20 in Louisville, Kentucky, USA. The fundraising gala showcases international humanitarians from around the world.

Alex aged 30, who experienced bullying at school himself in Deanshanger, founded the concept of Anti-Bullying Ambassadors when he was just 16.

This ground-breaking peer to peer programme is now run by The Diana Award. Today, there are nearly 30,000 trained Anti-Bullying Ambassadors in schools across the UK, Ireland and further afield including Miami, USA.

His programme now has the support of the Department for Education, social media company Facebook as well as HRH Duke of Cambridge, Prince William actively supporting, visiting schools and meeting Anti-Bullying Ambassadors.

An Anti-Bullying Ambassador is a young person who stands up for both themselves and others against bullying in their school, community and online. As part of the training they are given the knowledge, skills and confidence to tackle all forms of bullying. Through this work The Diana Award is changing the behaviours, attitude and cultures surrounding bullying.

The Diana Award is a charity legacy to Diana, Princess of Wales’ belief that young people have the power to change the world. Throughout their programmes they seek to foster, develop and inspire positive change in the lives of young people.

Alex was a recipient of the Diana Award in 2004 for creating the Anti-Bullying Ambassador programme at his own school aged 16.

“Receiving this award means a great deal to me and reminds me of my own personal journey," Alex said.

"For me the pain of bullying became a purpose and ultimately passion. I am proud that there are now nearly 30,000 Anti-Bullying Ambassadors who are transforming their schools, communities and online worlds, preventing and reducing bullying.

"Like Muhammad Ali they show us that each of us can make this world a better place.

"By age 30 Muhammad was a seasoned humanitarian and I am proud of this award and to represent Respect, one of his six core principles.”