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Girls from Wiltshire and Bath given national award for charity work

BBC Carmela and Harmonie-Rose both smile to the camera on an open-top bus tourBBC
Carmela and Harmonie-Rose got an open-top bus tour of London after receiving their awards

Two nine-year-old girls have received a national award in recognition of the positive impact they have had on their communities.

Carmela, from Wiltshire, and Harmonie-Rose, from Bath, were honoured with The British Citizen Youth Award (BCYA) at The Palace of Westminster on Thursday.

Harmonie-Rose said: "I'm really proud of myself. The award is really really heavy but I'm so happy."

In total, they have both raised more than £500,000 for different charities.

Mike Faulkner, the director of the BCYA, said: "The youth of today are truly the leaders of tomorrow."

Carmela in Westminster before collecting her award. She is a 9 year old girl with brunette hair in two braids. She is wearing a pink fleece. She is looking directly at the camera with a big smile on her face. The Houses of Parliament can be seen in the distance behind her.
Carmela was diagnosed with LMNA congenital muscular dystrophy at the age of three

At the age of three, Carmela was diagnosed with LMNA congenital muscular dystrophy.

In a bid to help scientists research a cure and better treatments for the condition, Carmela began fundraising when she was four-years-old.

Over the past five years, she has taken part in more than 20 events to raise money for the charity, Muscular Dystrophy UK.

But when the pandemic began, she had to shield due to her condition, meaning she missed essential hospital and physio appointments.

Instead, she took herself online and posted videos explaining her physio exercises, in an attempt to help others living with physical disabilities.

Carmela with her parents. Her mum is stood to the left of the frame. She has short brown hair and is wearing a green dress with red flowers. Her dad is on the right, dressed in a pink shirt and a navy blue suit and tie. He is wearing glasses and has a beard. Carmela is stood in front of them. All three are looking directly at the camera and smiling.
Carmela with her parents, Lucy and Darren

She said: "If I keep going, it will eventually help my condition and not bring me down as much.

"After I do exercises other people will message and say how amazing it is and how it helps them so much."

She added that receiving the BCYA award was "really special".

Meningitis Now Harmonie-Rose AllenMeningitis Now
Harmonie-Rose contracted meningococcal septicaemia as a baby

Harmonie-Rose lost all of her limbs after contracting meningococcal septicaemia as a baby. She was given a 10% chance of survival.

In 2020, she become an ambassador for charity Meningitis Now.

Freya Hall, Harmonie's mum, added: "Nothing holds her back, she just goes for it head on.

"Harmonie's got so much confidence now and we're so proud of our little girl."

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