THIS week I witnessed something genuinely inspiring.
I was at an awards ceremony for Derby people being recognised for the tremendous volunteering work they do.
Among the amazing stories being told at Derby Theatre was a tale of how one 27-year-old woman had volunteered for 320 hours of work at a city charity that helps disabled children despite being recently diagnosed with severe autism.
Another told of the service one Alvaston woman had given to Derbyshire Carers, who continues to carry on her work despite the loss of her husband.
But, among the deserving stories I listened in on, it was the pre-ceremony entertainment that almost brought a tear to my eye.
I'd not heard of Derby charity Steps for the Future before but I have now.
A dance troupe of 10 young adults, all of whom were born with Down's Syndrome, leapt on to the stage and, fearless to the last, produced one of the most stunning routines I've seen.
A spectacular mix of cartwheels, break dancing and rolls brought the audience to their feet as everyone clapped along.
Once that routine was over, four of them returned to the stage for another equally boppy choreographed piece.
Then young singer and wheelchair-user Donna Edward sang a faultless cover of the LeAnn Rimes hit "You Light Up My Life".
And, to finish the entertainment, the whole gang were back together for a rousing rendition of the Queen song "We Are The Champions".
What struck me most about Steps for the Future was clearly how much they were enjoying themselves.
The whole place was a sea of smiles from the time they took to the stage to the standing ovation they received at the end of their performance and long after they took their bows.
As someone who has sung on stage on a number of occasions, I am fully aware how nerve-wracking it can be, which made their performance all the more brave in my eyes.
Luckily, before they disappeared, I managed to grab a word with Maggie Attenborrow, who founded the charity six years ago.
"What we provide is performing arts for people with disabilities," she said. "Only we refuse to call them disabilities, they are differences.
"90% of the people who we see were born with Down's Syndrome but we also have members who have cerebral palsy, severe forms of autism and there are some who have conditions I've never even heard of."
Maggie went on to tell me how Steps for the Future had recently performed at Derby Cathedral with the backing of a gospel choir, practiced three times a week and, in her own words, "simply love to perform".
Based on the performances I witnessed this week, the charity has a long and fulfilling future ahead of it with a passionate founder, an army of dedicated volunteers and a troupe of ridiculously talented dancers and singers.
The only thing Steps for the Future want, Maggie told me, is a permanent base to practice their dance, music and drama.
Maybe someone out there can help them? Find out more details at www.steps forthefuture.co.uk.
