For us, this award feels particularly special because Little Miracles has always been personal to Michelle.

Michelle founded Little Miracles after experiencing first-hand what life can be like for families caring for a child with complex needs. When her son Oliver was born, she was told he was “incompatible with life”. After spending more than a year in intensive care, Oliver finally came home and Michelle found herself trying to navigate a world that often didn't feel like it was built with families like hers in mind.

She knew the fear of sitting in hospital waiting rooms, wondering what the future would look like. She knew the exhaustion, the loneliness and the feeling that sometimes nobody really understood what family life was like.

Those experiences became the reason she wanted to create somewhere different.

A place where families could walk through the door and feel comfortable. Where children could take part without being made to feel different. Where parents could meet someone who understood what they were going through without having to explain everything first. And that is how Little Miracles began.

Over the years, what started with Michelle's own family has grown into a community supporting thousands of families. Today, families come to our centres for activities, counselling, therapies, advice, practical support and simply somewhere they can spend time with people who understand.

But even as Little Miracles has grown, Michelle has always stayed connected to the families we support.

She remembers names and stories. She listens, she notices the small things, and because she has been in their shoes herself, she understands why those small things can matter so much.

The nomination for Michelle's award captured this beautifully:

“Michelle turned the hardest experience of her life into something that now changes the lives of thousands of other families every single year.”

This award recognises Michelle, but it also feels like a celebration of everything the Little Miracles community has built together over the years, our families, staff, volunteers, supporters and everyone who has helped us get to where we are today.

We’re so proud of you Michelle. Congratulations on your Community Impact Award!