Wales On Sunday

AMY DANCING WITH DELIGHT OVER AWARD

- MEGAN NISBET Reporter megan.nisbet@walesonlin­e.co.uk

STRICTLY Come Dancing profession­al Amy Dowden has thanked fans for all their support following a “surreal” week. The Welsh star, who hails from Caerphilly, was awarded with a Points of Light award for raising awareness of Crohn’s disease and documentin­g what it can be like to live with a condition such as Crohn’s.

The 32-year-old was presented with the award on St David’s Day at 10 Downing Street by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty.

Amy, who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease when she was 19, regularly speaks about the condition on social media and starred in the awardwinni­ng Crohn’s and Me documentar­y.

Posing with the Prime Minister and her award on Instagram, Amy said: “Still can’t quite believe the day I’ve had! Still pinching myself after the most wonderful day with my mum after being invited to spend the afternoon at 10 Downing Street where I was presented, the ‘Points of light award’ by the

Prime Minister and his wife Akshata for ‘recognitio­n of exceptiona­l service raising awareness of Crohn’s disease.’

“This award is for all my fellow warriors. Let’s keep breaking the stigma, raising awareness to one day find a cure. I’ve had the most unbelievab­le day with my mum and can’t thank everyone enough for the most memorable afternoon. Certainly a proud moment.”

And that’s not all, as Amy was also presenting at the Welsh Variety Extravagan­za for Tenovus Cancer Care at St David’s Hall, Cardiff, on Friday night. As well as hosting Amy was to perform with her husband Ben Jones who she tied the knot with in July last year.

Sharing her excitement on Instagram, Amy said: “On route. So looking forward to tonight! Performing and hosting.”

 ?? NICK WILKINSON ?? Dancer Amy Dowden has been presented with a Points of Light award for her work raising awareness of Crohn’s disease
NICK WILKINSON Dancer Amy Dowden has been presented with a Points of Light award for her work raising awareness of Crohn’s disease
 ?? The picture Amy Dowden posted on Instagram ??
The picture Amy Dowden posted on Instagram

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