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Monday, October 27, 2008, 08:45
Anna-Mae Cole, from Newton Abbot, was picked from record numbers of nominations to win the category of Best Brave Child in the national charity WellChild Children's Health Awards 2008.
A Stover School pupil, 12-year-old Anna-Mae was nominated by her friend, Vikki George.
Anna-Mae has a condition called Charcot-Marie Tooth Disease (CMT), a condition affecting the nerves of the arms and legs as well as a very rare genetic disorder called Cherubism.
The Cherubism causes Anna-Mae to develop facial tumours, dramatically changing the shape of her face, and treatment for the CMT has involved her having to have both legs set in plaster for one week every month for a staggering 10 years to try and stretch her tendons.
Despite this, the WellChild Award judges heard that Anna-Mae refuses to be phased by her problems and does not let it get in the way of her busy schedule of swimming, athletics and horse riding.
Mum Ann Cole said: "We are so proud of her. We didn't know that Vikki had nominated her for the award and it was a lovely surprise.
"To hear that she had won was even more of a surprise."
She said the family would be going to London to celebrate where Anna-Mae will receive her award at the fourth annual WellChild Awards ceremony next week.
Patron Prince Harry attended as the guest of honour last year.
Kedge Martin, from WellChild, explained: "Over the past four years we have come across thousands of incredible nominations in all categories of the WellChild Awards with amazing stories of bravery and moving accounts of care and support.
"These awards really are about celebrating the strength which is shown by so many children and young people, and the excellence demonstrated by those people who care for them."
In addition to Prince Harry, who has been invited to attend once again this year, previous WellChild Award evenings have been attended by boy band Westlife, rock legend Rod Steward with his wife Penny Lancaster Stewart, BBC presenters Dick and Dom, football legends John Barnes and Peter Schmeichel, Dragons Den stars Duncan Bannatyne and James Caan, and many more.
WellChild is the national charity for sick children helping UK children and their families as they deal with the consequences of serious illness and complex conditions.
For details, log on to www.wellchild.org.uk
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