A huge congratulations to Carmela and the Chillery-Watson family of Lavington, who knew nothing about the Points of Light awards until Carmela was rewarded with one this week. “We are absolutely bowled over with pure happiness at this surprise award,” mum Lucy said.
First established in the USA by President George Bush in 1990, UK Points of Light was developed in partnership with the US programme and launched at Downing Street in 2014. Since then, hundreds have been named Points of Light by the Prime Minister, highlighting an enormous array of innovative and inspirational volunteering across the length and breadth of Britain.
Points of Light are outstanding individual volunteers; people making a change in their community, and after her 300km challenge last year, we couldn’t think of anyone more suitable and deserving than our lovable Carmela.
Diagnosed at the age of three with L-CMD, a progressive muscle-wasting disease which weakens every muscle over time, Carmela is now six and has come a colossal way in raising awareness and funds for Muscular Dystrophy, and continues to be an inspiration to us all.
“Thank you, Boris,” Carmela said, “this is awesome news, I can’t believe it, it’s so amazing. Thank you so much.” Although the prime minister is just another celebrity notched on Carmela’s campaign trail, meeting with the likes of Beverly Knight, Frank Bruno, Jimmy Carr, and even Harry Duke of Sussex. Oh, and not forgetting last September when Wonder Woman actress, Gal Gadot, donated over £3K to Carmela’s fund. Face it, between Boris and Gal, I know which one I’d rather meet!
It’s a wonder, excuse the pun, if Carmela remembers the morning when she helped me on my milk round at all. I hope so, as it was a pleasure to meet her, Lucy and dad, Darren, and an occasion, I’ll always hold dear; even if I was a little tired and smelly!
CEO of Muscular Dystrophy UK Catherine Woodhead congratulated Carmela, and added, “everyone at MDUK is thrilled that Carmela’s outstanding fundraising efforts for the charity have been recognised by the Prime Minister. To date, Carmela and her family have raised nearly £50,000 for MDUK.” Which is simply, amazing. Well done Carmela.
Trending……
Dirt Roads, A Plastic Army, and a Ruby; Saturday Evenings in Devizes Still Rock!
A joint effort of Darren Worrow and Andy Fawthrop Buses, huh? Last time I strolled to the dual carriageway to catch one it was four…
All Cat’s Eyes for Nothing Rhymes With Orange’s New Single
Firstly, to clear up any confusion, as I know I was, a little, and I also accept it doesn’t take much these days, Devizes’ finest…
Devizes International Street Festival is Cancelled
I’ll never forget local photographer Gail Foster some years ago, pulling down her camera from a shot, turning to me with an expression of joy,…
Frome Festival Presents a Bumper Programme for All
From the 5th to the 14th July 2024, Frome Festival plans to up the game of this wonderful and lively town with a bumper programme…
Tonka Bean, Devizes Only Caribbean Cafe & Bar to Close
Abrilli, sole Director and owner of Tonka Bean Cafe Bar in Devizes announced today, due to “significant changes in personal and financial circumstances due to…
Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 15th-21st May 2024
Here’s what we’ve found to do in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming week… Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for…
Poppy Rose, Ready Now….
Not being able to hold a note myself, I tip my hat to any musician in a band. Yet there’s something so much more valiant,…
Help DOCA Win Funding for the Confetti Battle
From carnival to the Winter Festival, DOCA stages so many great events in Devizes, most of them for free, but the most unique is the…
White Horse Opera Mathieson Trust Fundraiser with Anup Biswas
White Horse Opera members, Soprano Barbara Gompels, Mezzo Soprano Paula Boyagis, Tenor Carlos Alonso together with pianist Tony James join forces with international cellist Anup…
“The Thrill of Love” at The Wharf Theatre, Devizes, May 13th-18th 2024
By Ian DiddamsImages by Chris Watkins Ruth Ellis was hanged aged 28 years old, by Albert Pierrepoint the official executioner in the UK, at Holloway…