On Wednesday, the Prime Minister presented Sofia Crockatt with a Points of Light award for her incredible fundraising for Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF).
Sofia, aged 13, contracted meningococcal septicaemia at the age of two and subsequently had to have her left leg amputated. Since surviving the disease, she has raised over £40,000 for MRF - the charity that supported her and her family through her illness - and she became the charity’s first ever Junior Ambassador at the age of nine.
Sofia is a keen blade runner, inspired by the Paralympians she has been lucky enough to meet, and has taken part in numerous fundraising events including the Junior Great North and Great Manchester Run. Most recently Sofia led a team of people in the ‘Superhero Series’ - an event aimed at encouraging those with disabilities to get into sport, organised by fellow Point of Light, Paralympian Sophia Warner.
Sofia received her award from the Prime Minister at a reception marking the switching on of the Downing Street Christmas lights, which was also attended by fellow Points of Light winners aged between 6-16 or whose voluntary work is centred around supporting young people.
Sofia 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.