AN East Lancashire man has scooped a prestigious award which celebrates his contributions to those with disabilities – and a North West celeb has praised him for the win.

Zack Kerr, from Accrington, was named Positive Role Model for Disability at the National Diversity Awards which took place Last Friday (17 September).

He won the award for his tireless campaign for larger and more accessible toilets to be made commonplace in the UK.

The Changing Places campaign was launched by Zack in 2017 and has so far secured millions of pounds for the creation of dedicated restrooms in service stations across England.

These toilets offer more space and specialist equipment than standard toilets which is a huge benefit to disabled people.

Zack's campaign has spread far and wide since its creation. In July 2020, the government made Changing Places toilets compulsory in all new public buildings created in 2021.

The government estimates it will add the toilets to more than 150 new buildings a year.

 

 

Zack, who has cerebral palsy, said in his acceptance speech: “I am so happy to even be nominated for the award – that was great.

“But to even win shows that many people from the disabled community have won too.

“I would like to thank mum and dad for all the support and for believing in me.

“No-one should have to lie on a toilet floor and together we can make sure that doesn’t happen.

“The campaign was a huge success and I look forward to every establishment having a Changing Place toilet.”

Still reeling from his win, Zack told the Lancashire Telegraph: “I still don’t believe it. I am very proud to have won.

“It’s a step further in raising awareness about changing places and the need for it.”

Bolton comedian, Paddy McGuinness, was also quick to praise Zack on social media for the win.

 

 

On Twitter, he wrote: “@zackyboy14 well done on your award pal! Amazing work and well deserved.”

Changing Spaces Support Office, Ceri Davies, replied to McGuinness with a picture of Zack with Paddy’s wife, Christine.

They wrote: "Zack was delighted to meet Christine! It was the highlight of his evening I’m sure."

 

 

Zack explained that being congraturalted by so many celebrities was “amazing”.

The 25-year-old said: “There were a lot of celebrities at the event it all was very surreal mingling with them and having the likes of Adam Hills, Richard Blackwood, Samantha Renke and Christine McGuinness approach me.

"My friend Paddy McGuinness messaging me on twitter was brilliant.

“Hopefully [the celebrities] will help spread awareness even more until changing places becomes commonplace.”

Zack wasn’t the only Lancashire winner of the night and the Diverse Company Award went to University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust.

To find out more about Changing Places Toilets or to find one near you visit the website.

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