To be nominated for the Inspire Award was an absolute honour and it's a strange feeling to now be a finalist in the Law category. I am sharing the platform with many talented and experienced people in their field, within the wide category of law and I'm hoping I can do this award some justice! Despite facing adversities in life I feel that, through these challenges, I have been successful in balancing a career and maintaining good well-being. I have lived with Colitis for 23 years and this has been one of my greater hardships.
Sunita manages her health so well that unless you work with her closely, you would not realise the struggles she faces and this is why, as a team, we call her Suni because her smile and sense of humour never fails to brighten our day.
Alison
Sunita's line manager
The most challenging case of this hardship was managing my symptoms, nerves and gut when taking a case to Crown Court which pushed me further than I ever thought imaginable.
As an Investigations Assistant with Greater Manchester Police (GMP), my role is to support victims through the prosecution process from obtaining a statement through to giving evidence in court; being empathetic and encouraging to victims so they do not retract cases and they can stay on track through to a successful conviction. I take enormous pride in my role. It has given me insight into the hardships some of our communities are going through in their daily lives and the unprecedented situation we find ourselves in only highlights the extent of these issues.
Most people I know get butterflies and suffer nerves when attending court, which in turn has an effect on their gut and requires them to use the toilet more often. In my case, I had to take on additional factors too so to say I just had butterflies would be an understatement. Stressful situations cause my urgency symptoms to increase significantly and gives me sleepless nights which add to the existing lethargic feeling from daily fatigue. I make sure my diet is switched beforehand to minimise the cramps, include extra vitamins and minerals and make sure I take prepared food to court instead of using the canteen. With all of this in the background, I must be available to critical witnesses, victims and their families, liaise with court staff, and keep legal teams updated along each step of the way.
The whole process is physically and emotionally exhausting as I have to show confidence to the world and need to be alert and attentive to everyone else's needs whilst battling my own conditions.
This was most certainly one of my most rewarding cases and we reached a positive outcome for the family involved. To know that my actions have made a positive impact in a stranger's life is something that gives me the drive to continue to do the work that I do, and I will always remain committed to victims.
In a world which often revolves around getting up the socio-economic ladder, I have always believed selfless acts and compassion can offer a greater reward. GMP has a support group for people with Crohn's or Colitis and their families and I play an active role within this group. Recently, I arranged for well-known gastroenterologist Professor Jimmy K. Limdi to come and give an invaluable talk to our GMP Crohn's and Colitis group members. I hope to continue serving the community and supporting vulnerable people and am immensely grateful to have my work recognised and appreciated by past victims, colleagues and high-ranking officers who have led me to where I am today.
Most of all, I dedicate this award to my daughters as I try to be an inspiration for them, and to others living with long-term illness. My motto is to be my own example, to support and inspire who ever I can. To quote one of the witnesses, 'because of you, even though you thought you were just doing your job, I didn't give up'.
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