A determined youngster from New Marske who continuously strives to go above and beyond to help others has been recognised for her efforts.
Enna Stephens, 11, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour at the age of seven.
Having undergone 18 months of gruelling treatment to be rid of the cancer Enna has now had two years in remission.
Aside from making sure she gets better herself, Enna has been tireless in her quest to help others who have the disease and support those charities which help people in her position.
Taking everything in her stride and just getting on with life, the Westgarth Primary School pupil is in her element when she is organising charity events with the aim of helping others.
Enna’s mum, Vana Stephens, has nominated her daughter in The Gazette’s Community Champion awards in the Child of Courage category.
Vana, 44, said: “I think a lot of kids that have been poorly seem to have a different outlook on life.
“Enna always wants to help other people. If there is any opportunity Enna is the first to do it.”
Earlier this year, Enna ran a sweet stall at a family fundraiser and made 100 loom bands with her friends which together raised £300 on the day for local charity, Victoria’s Wish.
Last month, Enna single-handedly organised a sponsored pyjama dog walk with her friends which raised £500 for Cancer Research. She also organised a Macmillan Cancer coffee afternoon which raised £120.
Vana said: “It’s not something you can forget about. It is part of her life.
“For an 11 year old to be so socially aware and to want to help others around her, she just really deserves the award.
“All parents are proud of their kids but how many can say that their child is their hero and their inspiration to be a better person?”
Despite side-effects that the cancer has left Enna with, which affect her learning, she is determined to carry on with life as normal. Enna loves dancing which she does three times a week and she also attends singing lessons.
Enna has recently been nationally selected for a part in the Rays of Sunshine choir, part of a children’s charity which helps children live with serious or life-limiting illnesses. Enna will take to the stage next May at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
Vana added: “I believe Enna is a caring young lady who could be spending her free time playing with her friends and ignoring what is going on around her but she chooses to do what she can to help.
“I am sure in the future she will be an enormous credit and a force to be reckoned with in the fundraising world.”
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