Bournemouth 11-year-old becomes world's youngest MBE for charity work
Carmela Chillery-Watson, aged 11, has been recognised for her devotion to charity fundraising.
At such a young age, Carmela has already helped to raise more than £400,000 for muscular dystrophy charities through a string of high-profile campaigns, from superhero walks to national awareness drives.
Diagnosed with a rare form of muscular dystrophy herself, Carmela is no stranger to overcoming challenges and putting fun into fundraising.
Carmela said: 'To hear the news that I was an MBE was absolutely astonishing, and to find out I'm the youngest MBE is another kettle of fish. The Guinness Book of World Records called me, so when I get the medal for the MBE I will be awarded the record.'
Carmela's mum, Lucy, added: 'I was honestly flabbergasted. I opened the letter and thought, 'You're 11'. You expect MBEs to go to adults who've spent a lifetime doing incredible work. But I suppose Carmela has done a lifetime of work too, given everything she's had to fight through.'
Carmela's most recent charity endeavour on June 23 stemmed from her wish to have more accessible toilet facilities at her school in Branksome.
Dubbed the Poo Plod, she set out on a five-mile fundraising walk from her special needs school, Shaftesbury Victoria, to Bournemouth Pier and back — dressed as an inflatable toilet, while her mum followed dressed as a giant inflatable poo.
Lucy said: 'Carmela wanted to fundraise for two wash-dry toilets for her school because it would give students more independence and dignity. It's not just about toilets , it's about making life easier for everyone.'
Speaking after the event, Lucy joked: 'I was dressed up as a big inflatable poo… I think I was intimidating quite a few passers-by when I asked, 'Would you donate to a big poo?' But we raised nearly £4000."
The school promised to match whatever Carmela raised, and as a result they collected enough money for two wash dry toilets in the school.
Carmela will receive her MBE medal later this year.
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