THE Prime Minister (PM) has recognised a man from Reading for his exceptional service supporting families facing disability.

Shamus Butt, 24, is the latest recipient of the Points of Light award, which recognises outstanding volunteers who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.

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Each day, someone, somewhere in the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their remarkable achievements.

Mr Butt is a medical student who has drawn on his experience supporting his severely disabled twin brother to co-found a disability charity which supports BAME families who have children with special needs to access the support and services they need.

His charity INSAAN (Integrated Network for Special and Additional Needs) has supported hundreds of families in Reading and formed partnerships with three leading schools in disability in the area, working closely with ethnic minority communities for consultation on disability issues.

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Mr Butt has also led work on renovating respite centres in Reading to provide the necessary facilities for those with complex needs, and the organising of special respite days for families to escape the difficulties of caring for their loved ones.

In a personal letter to Mr Butt, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "I know you do this with no thought of praise or reward, but allow me to offer my own recognition of how you are supporting families in Reading to overcome the stigma of helping children with learning difficulties and special needs, and directing them to their local support services."

Alok Sharma, MP for Reading West and keen supporter of INSAAN, added: “Shamus is an incredibly committed and selfless individual who has done brilliant work thorough INSAAN to support those with special needs.

"I am delighted that his charity work is being recognised with a Points of Light Award and I wish him the very best with all his endeavours.”

Mr Butt is the 1311th winner of the Points of Light award, which has been developed in partnership with the hugely successful Points of Light programme in the USA.

Over 6,000 Points of Light have been awarded in the USA, and former Presidents have publicly supported the partnership with Points of Light UK.

There is a similar cross-party approach to the UK programme and MPs from different parties often present their constituents with their Points of Light awards.

Mr Butt said he was "overwhelmed" to receive the award and thanked the PM.

He said: "Tackling the taboo of disability within families and amongst communities is crucial in our society.

"As such, INSAAN has been a challenging but rewarding venture to help pave the way with this work and make a truly tangible difference to individuals with disability, and their families.

"I have been honoured in such a fruitful position to help make the world a better place and aid those less fortunate than ourselves.

"But this award is truly dedicated to my family who have motivated me to tirelessly contribute towards altruistic endeavours, and to all those we have ever supported in any capacity - the satisfaction of being able to improve others' lives has made it truly worth it.”