COURAGEOUS Carmela Chillery-Watson melted the nation’s hearts tonight — along with new best pals Prince William and David Beckham.
The brave seven-year-old, who suffers from muscular dystrophy, won the Young Hero gong at The Sun’s Who Cares Wins awards.
Over the past 18 months, she has walked hundreds of miles dressed as Wonder Woman to raise more than £100,000 for research into her rare form of the life-limiting condition.
And Carmela had the awards audience in tears as she left her wheelchair behind and walked onstage using crutches to receive the accolade.
She said: “I would like to say a big thank you to everyone that nominated me but I would like to give this award to other people for what they’ve done too. Thank you so much.”
Earlier, Carmela was praised by Prince William.
Wills, 39, kneeled down next to her wheelchair and said: “You should feel very good about what you have done.”
He then pointed to the lights on Carmela’s wheelchair and added: “I love your sparkly wheels.”
Afterwards she said: “He said I should be very proud.
I replied, ‘Kind of’.” She also met David Beckham, 46.
He told The Sun: “I saw her and she just looked so beautiful. She seemed to be such a lovely, incredible little girl.”
Carmela was honoured at the event, sponsored by The National Lottery, at the Camden Roundhouse in North London.
The ceremony, which paid tribute to doctors, nurses, paramedics and everyday heroes, aired tonight on Channel 4.
Carmela was nominated by actress Lilly Aspell, 13, who plays a young Diana in Wonder Woman 1984.
In a pre-recorded video, Lilly surprised Carmela with a day out that included horse riding and abseiling.
She told The Sun: “Carmela is determined, kind, passionate — I adore her.
“She completely deserves this nomination for the amazing things she’s done to help others with the same condition.”
Carmela was presented with her award by Premier League footballer Tyrone Mings, 28, and gold medal-winning paralympian Lauren Steadman, 28.
Swimmer Lauren hailed her as “a true young warrior”.
Aston Villa and England star Tyrone said: “I’ve got a huge admiration for what she’s doing.”
Carmela also charmed new Sun columnist Piers Morgan and met Frank Lampard.
Piers, 56, gushed: “Carmela is absolutely fantastic. I’ve loved meeting her and hanging out with her — she’s been telling me all of her rude jokes.”
Manchester United star Marcus Rashford, 23, sent a video message, saying: “Congratulations on your incredible achievements, Carmela — you are a true hero. All your hard work has been realised.”
Diagnosed aged three, Carmela’s condition is life limiting.
Mum Lucy, 45, from Devizes, Wilts, said: “I’m super, super proud of Carmela.
“She’s determined to find a cure. She’s just very humble.”
- THE Sun’s Who Cares Wins awards is available to stream on All 4.
Who Cares Wins awards
The Who Cares Wins awards honour those who have helped take care of the nation.
Here are the categories:
- 999 Hero
- Best Charity
- Best Doctor
- Best Midwife
- Best Nurse
- Groundbreaking Pioneer
- Mental Health Hero
- National Lottery Award
- Ultimate lifesaver
- Unsung Hero
- Young Hero
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