Melissa in line for top charity award

Melissa in line for top charity award

10 September 2014

A 14 year-old girl from Downpatrick girl has reached the finals of the prestigious MS Society Awards.

Melissa Leavy is one of three finalists in the category of MS Young Person of the Year and will be attending an awards ceremony which is being hosted by Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills in London on October 6.

Melissa was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis two years ago, aged just 12 years-old and faces the unpredictable nature of MS with incredible bravery and maturity.

She has experienced many of the common symptoms of MS including vision loss, fatigue and problems with walking but the Assumption Grammar student has vowed to do everything she can to help fund MS research.

She says she hopes researchers find a cure for MS by the time she is 30.

With the support of her family and friends, Melissa has raised more than £5,000 for MS research by encouraging family members to take part in various fundraisers including fire walks, coffee mornings and zip lines.

Melissa also presented a BBC Radio Ulster Appeal earlier this year helping to raise awareness and understanding of MS.

Reacting to her award nomination Melissa said: “It’s a big shock. I had no idea but I’m really happy to be nominated. I’m looking forward to going to London for the awards ceremony.

Her mum Theresa said the family is so proud of Melissa.

“She has faced some difficult and scary MS symptoms recently but she has coped really well,” she said. “She is my inspiration and encourages me to do all sorts of crazy things like fire walks to help raise funds for MS research.

“Melissa has been through so much but we take each day as it comes. Sometimes it’s easy to forget how well Mel is doing but my friends remind me just how amazing Mel is.

“She is an inspiration to people with no illnesses never mind those who suffer. This nomination is something positive after a difficult few years and we’re really looking forward to the MS Awards in London”.

The MS Society Awards, this year sponsored by Biogen, were created to reward individuals and groups for their hard work in improving the lives of people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). This year, more than 200 nominations across 10 categories were received.