‘Inspirational’ girl wins award

A CARING teen who grew up with domestic violence has become an inspiration to others.

Big-hearted Natalie Markham, 14, devotes her time out of school to cook, shop and raise cash for those who need help.

But the Blackpool youngster, who has been named Lancashire Young Citizen of the Year, had a troubled childhood.

For the first seven years of her life she saw her mum Jennifer being abused by her partner.

“She watched me go through severe domestic violence for six years from the age of one,” said mum Jennifer, talking about their dark past for the first time.

“She saw lots of violent things a child should not see.”

When Natalie was seven, Jennifer knew she had to get away from the relationship and plucked up the courage to walk away.

“It had been happening for so long and I knew I had to leave and get us both away from it. I thought I would get bruised and battered for doing it, but I never did.”

The remarkable youngster has raised £7,000 in the past three years for charity.

But her family were bowled over with the way she dropped everything to help her grandparents.

Jennifer said: “My mum was diagnosed with cervical cancer and she had had a knee replacement.

“And then my dad fell and broke his shoulder. They needed some help and straight away Natalie came to help and really cheered everyone up.”

Natalie was giv en the award at a special ceremony at Lancashire police headquarters.

“We had no idea that she was going to win it,” said Jennifer. “She is an inspiration.”

Playing down the praise, Natalie (left) said: “I’m just really shocked — I’m speechless. I was pleased to be nominated and never even expected to win the top

prize.”