Young Swindon role model’s achievements honoured with a British Citizen Youth Award

A young Swindon girl has become a medallist at the British Citizen Youth Awards (BCYA).

Twenty four inspirational youngsters from across the UK were delighted to be announced as medallists for this year’s BCYA in recognition of their extraordinary contribution to society, charities and good causes.

Phoebe Maddison from Swindon was one of the children honoured for their incredible efforts at a formal presentation held at the Palace of Westminster on Thursday 19 October.

Now in its second year, the BCYA, in association with Specsavers, seeks to highlight the many acts of bravery, kindness and compassion carried out by young people across the UK.

At 13 years of age, Phoebe is an inspiration to everyone living with Type 1 diabetes. Since her diagnosis at the age of four, she has been determined to support Diabetes UK and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDFR) through raising funds and awareness.

When Phoebe was seven-years-old, she made a short educational film that was commissioned by the BBC called Same But Different which is available to watch online.  She then created a short film using her iPad where she interviewed teachers and children about diabetes. This was shown widely across the UK and she won a BAFTA award for best individual film.

On Phoebe’s eleventh birthday, she held a party and invited her entire class, but rather than receiving gifts, she asked friends and students to make donations to Diabetes UK and raised hundreds of pounds. After recently meeting the Prime Minister, who also has Type 1 diabetes, at Diabetes UK Headquarters in London, Phoebe sees her as an inspiration.

With a passion for performing, from the age of six, Phoebe has sung every year at a diabetes charity ball in Bournemouth. She has also recorded a charity single called I’m a hero.

For Phoebe, it is a priority is to ensure that people can recognise signs of the disease and promote awareness of Type 1 diabetes. She is determined to not only help find a cure, but to demonstrate to young people a willingness to succeed and not see their health condition as a barrier in life.

Phoebe Maddison received her BCYA medal from Ashley Banjo, creative director and lead dancer of Diversity, whose dance troupe won the third series of Britain’s Got Talent.

Ashley said: "I am honoured to have been able to play a part in the British Citizen Youth Awards at the Palace of Westminster.  What a fantastic way to recognise these young people that have made a difference to their communities up and down the UK. These inspirational young people are making a difference and encouraging others to do the same.’"

David Grieves, store director of Specsavers Swindon added: "As a partner of the BCYA, it is always uplifting to hear about the amazing and selfless acts performed by youngsters both within our community and across the UK.

"Whether it be raising money for charity or helping those in need, we want to grow awareness of these achievements and inspire the next generation of children to make a similar positive impact on society."