‘I love proving people wrong’
Harmonie-rose melted hearts across the UK as she collected her Pride of Britain award at the ceremony in London.
She declared to the nation: “I love proving people wrong. Sometimes they say you can’t do anything, but I can. I can do anything I want to.”
Six-year-old Harmonie-rose Allen, from Bath, won the Child of Courage award at last Thuerday night’s Pride of Britain awards having had her arms and legs removed due to suffering from meningitis at just ten months old.
Speaking in a pre-recorded video before collecting her award, Harmonie-rose and her family spoke about their incredible journey overcoming huge obstacles.
Freya Hall, Harmonie-rose’s mum said: “When Harmonie was born, she was everything we ever wished for really.”
However, at just 10 months old, Harmonie-rose’s was “black from head to toe”, and was diagnosed with meningococcal septicaemia which had infected her legs, arms and the tip of her nose, leaving surgeons with no choice but to amputate.
Freya said: “She was given less than a 10 per cent chance of survival. And I just remember saying she was fine yesterday. She was fine. So how is it now she’s could be dying?”
As well as enduring more than 10 operations, the seven-year-old has excelled at sports and raised more than £100,000 for charity.
Appearing on stage while talking to host Carol Vorderman, Harmonie-rose sparkled in her gold fairytale dress and glittery headband.
Harmonie-rose now loves to swim, write, dance and do gymnastics.
She told the UK: “I love proving people wrong. Sometimes they say you can’t do anything, but I can. I can do anything I want to.”
Her favourite singer, Ed Sheeran, also appeared on screen to tell her that she had won the Child of Courage award, saying: “you are incredibly special and we want to show you how amazing we think you are.”
He added: “I think she’s hugely deserving of the Child of Courage award. She is truly incredible.”
When she went on to the stage at the ceremony to collect her award, she was asked what she would say to people who have struggled during the pandemic.
The six-year-old responded: “I would say just never give up, and if you believe you can achieve.”
Ed Sheeran was not her only surprise, with the judges from her favourite show Britain’s Got Talent coming on to the stage to present the award. Simon Cowell told her: “I want to say this is the most important award in the world. I think you are amazing..”
Alesha Dixon also had some lovely words for Harmonie-rose: “I think that all of us can learn from you you know with determination and a zest for life despite all of your challenges.”
After her appearance on ITV’S show, dozens of viewers took to social media.
One person posted: : “Bloody hell Pride of Britain just started and I’m already in tears #Prideofbritain.”
At third person wrote: “Watching @Prideofbritain and I’m in tears already #prideofbritain,” while a fourth added: “10 mins in and #Prideofbritain has already got me in tears.
“Love this little girl’s attitude! Never give up!”