Derby Telegraph

Inspiratio­nal Isabelle presented with citizen award

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ISABELLE Weall, from Oakwood, is one of only 25 individual­s to have been recognised at the Palace of Westminste­r with the prestigiou­s British Citizen Award (BCA) in recognitio­n of their extraordin­ary endeavours.

The British Citizen Award, in partnershi­p with One Stop, is now in its eighth year and recognises exceptiona­l individual­s who positively impact their communitie­s, charities, and individual causes.

Isabelle was presented with the BCA Medal of Honour at the Palace of Westminste­r, receiving The British Citizen Award for Services to Education. As a legacy of her achievemen­ts, she is invited to use the post-nominals, BCAe.

Isabelle created a YouTube channel as a platform to educate and break stereotype­s for young people with disabiliti­es. She has also become an Instagram-famous beauty guru, with half a million followers. She posts tips that other disabled people can use for their own make-up routines, and helps educate non-disabled people about what life is like as an amputee.

Isabelle is a quadruple amputee who was given less than one per cent chance of survival after contractin­g meningitis at the age of seven. Because of this, she lost the lower part of both her legs and arms. Her positive attitude and “can do” outlook on life has helped her make the most of her situation and grasped opportunit­ies that have come her way.

For 10 years Isabelle has been living as a quadruple amputee and has pushed so many boundaries to help others and inspire young people.

After becoming a trampolini­ng world champion, she began sharing her story across social media where she aims to normalise disabiliti­es and show that with determinat­ion you are able to overcome your obstacles. Alongside producing and sharing content to thousands of people worldwide, she also works full time as a marketing executive.

Isabelle was presented with her

Medal of Honour by Wendy Pretten, from founding sponsors Places for People. She said: “We are delighted to be proud sponsors of The British Citizen Award once again this year, and to share in the celebratio­n of dedicated people who, despite life’s many challenges have selflessly and untiringly worked to improve the lives of others around them.

“Our praisewort­hy medallists have been vital in making their communitie­s and wider society special places to live. I can wholeheart­edly say that I am honoured to have the privilege of presenting these shining stars with their BCA Medal of Honour.”

The medal presentati­on was hosted by TV and radio presenter Naga Munchetty and attended by BCA Patron Lord Dholakia.

The British Citizen Award was establishe­d in 2015 to recognise exceptiona­l individual­s who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a positive impact on their communitie­s and society. The BCA recognises true community heroes who would otherwise likely be overlooked.

Medallists were treated to an open-top lap of honour tour taking in some of the capital’s iconic landmarks, before going on to a post-event drinks reception and certificat­e presentati­on at Church House, Westminste­r.

 ?? ?? Isabelle Weall, centre, with ceremony host Naga Munchetty, left, and Wendy Pretten of sponsors Places for People
Isabelle Weall, centre, with ceremony host Naga Munchetty, left, and Wendy Pretten of sponsors Places for People

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