A NINE-YEAR-OLD schoolgirl with a big heart was chosen as the winner of the Young Role Model category at the Place to be Proud of Awards.
Sienna Cripps was diagnosed aged two with a rare neurological condition called Chiari Malformation — something that causes her daily headaches, pain and fatigue.
Her sister faces the same condition and has been through two major brain surgeries.
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Inspirational Sienna decided to save her birthday and pocket money to buy toys for children in hospital, raise funds for charity, visit care homes, and campaign alongside her sister to make nine local schools more accessible for disabled children.
She came up with the idea of the Purple Crystal – a small heart given to people who are struggling, with a note to remind them they're not alone.
Last Christmas, she was invited to the Royal Carol Service at Westminster Abbey by the Princess of Wales, in recognition of her charity work.
Described by judges as “an extraordinary young girl with remarkable compassion”, Sienna was a worthy winner of the Young Role Model Award.
Speaking afterwards, she said: “I feel amazing. Me and my sister were really ill and we really wanted to help other people.”
The other finalists in the Young Role Model category were:
Arav Srivastava
Gabriel Llewellyn-Hyde
Rosie Haver
