California dreaming for ace student Tilly!
Stanford-bound 18-year-old drops in at Cauldwell Children
INSPIRATIONAL teenager Tilly Griffiths made an emotional visit to the charity that has supported her for the last 15 years before setting off to begin her undergraduate studies at the world famous Stanford University in California.
Tilly, who has spinal muscular atrophy, a condition which means she has to use a wheelchair, went to thank Caudwell Children – the Stoke-on-trent based charity that provides practical and emotional support to disabled children and their families – for all the help that they have given to her since she was just three years old.
After scoring in the top one per cent in the university’s entrance examination, and having recently secured four A-levels, the 18-year-old from Cheddleton will now study Communications at the highly respected university, located near San Francisco.
Founded in 1885, Stanford is known for its academic strength, wealth, proximity to Silicon Valley and ranking as one of the top universities in the world.
Caudwell Children first supported Tilly, when they provided her with a powerchair back in 2003.
“I can’t believe how far Tilly has come,” said Trudi Beswick, CEO of Caudwell Children.
“She’s a force of nature and she refuses to let her condition define her.
“She’s learnt to skate, sail, climb, and play musical instruments. You name it and Tilly’s probably done it.
“The support that we’ve given her over the years has allowed her the independence that she needed to thrive, and this move is the culmination of that.
“She’s an incredibly powerful role model, not just to disabled children, but to all children.”
Tilly is looking forward to the move and explained: “I’m really excited about it. Being away from my family is going to be challenging but I’ve had an amazing team around me and lots of support, from charities like Caudwell Children, to get me to this point.”
Her family says her relocation will be a huge adjustment for them.
“It’s going to be a huge change,” said mum, Jackie. “But I’m so excited and delighted and, like everything that Tilly’s ever wanted to do, what’s her dream is our dream so we want to see it happen for her.”
Tilly is no stranger to success, having raised millions of pounds for Caudwell Children over the years. She was also rewarded with a Pride of Britain award for her fundraising exploits.
“We can’t wait to see how she gets on in California, but we’re sure that she will have a wonderful time,” added Trudi.
“We’ll miss her dreadfully as she regularly popped into the office to volunteer.
“She also attended many of our events to explain to guests just how vital our support is to children and young people like her.
“She is a shining example of how our support allows children to lead fulfilling and active lives.”