Brave -Mae's date with prince

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Brave -Mae's date with prince

http://www.thisissouthdevon.co.uk/news/Brave--Mae-s-date-

prince/article-428874-detail/article.html

A YOUNG girl who suffers from a rare genetic disorder has been given

a prestigious bravery award.

-Mae Cole, from Newton Abbot, was picked from record numbers of

nominations to win the category of Best Brave Child in the national

charity WellChild Children's Health Awards 2008.

A Stover School pupil, 12-year-old -Mae was nominated by her

friend, Vikki .

-Mae has a condition called Charcot-Marie Tooth Disease (CMT), a

condition affecting the nerves of the arms and legs as well as a very

rare genetic disorder called Cherubism.

The Cherubism causes -Mae to develop facial tumours, dramatically

changing the shape of her face, and treatment for the CMT has

involved her having to have both legs set in plaster for one week

every month for a staggering 10 years to try and stretch her tendons.

Despite this, the WellChild Award judges heard that -Mae refuses

to be phased by her problems and does not let it get in the way of

her busy schedule of swimming, athletics and horse riding.

Mum Ann Cole said: " We are so proud of her. We didn't know that Vikki

had nominated her for the award and it was a lovely surprise.

" To hear that she had won was even more of a surprise. "

She said the family would be going to London to celebrate where -

Mae will receive her award at the fourth annual WellChild Awards

ceremony next week.

Patron Prince Harry attended as the guest of honour last year.

Kedge , from WellChild, explained: " Over the past four years we

have come across thousands of incredible nominations in all

categories of the WellChild Awards with amazing stories of bravery

and moving accounts of care and support.

" These awards really are about celebrating the strength which is

shown by so many children and young people, and the excellence

demonstrated by those people who care for them. "

In addition to Prince Harry, who has been invited to attend once

again this year, previous WellChild Award evenings have been attended

by boy band Westlife, rock legend Rod Steward with his wife Penny

Lancaster , BBC presenters Dick and Dom, football legends

and Schmeichel, Dragons Den stars Duncan Bannatyne and

Caan, and many more.

WellChild is the national charity for sick children helping UK

children and their families as they deal with the

consequences of serious illness and complex conditions.

For details, log on to www.wellchild.org.uk