Muskan Devta

Disability turned to advantage

The awards recognise ordinary Kiwis doing big things in their communities. Anyone can make a nomination for any of the six categories, which honour bravery and heroism, community spirit, environmental leaders, emergency heroes and fundraisers. Visit prideofnzawards.co.nz. Nominations close on Sunday. Fundraiser of the Year category: Being accepted by her peers has been something a young Auckland teenager has always wanted.

But helping people — especially those who, like her, have a disability — has been the biggest thing Muskan Devta has striven for throughout her young life.

The 14-year-old, from the North Shore, is the youngest nominee for a Pride of New Zealand Award so far. She has been nominated for her work fundraising for charities and groups including the Starship children’s hospital.

Muskan, a student at Westlake Girls’ High, was born with a condition called partial hemiplegia, which left the right side of her body paralysed. She was also born with a hole in her heart, weak eyesight and underdevel-