Charity Walkers
790. Ellie Payne
Ellie Payne, aged six, has raised over £33,000 for the British Heart Foundation since she underwent critical open-heart surgery at ten weeks old.
Ellie suffers from a rare heart condition called Common Arterial Trunk, and had a second round of surgery in March 2017. She has become a focal point for fundraising amongst her family and friends and organises ongoing fundraising events at her school. She also is the face of an annual walk in Glastonbury, which attracts more than 160 children to raise money in her name. On September 30th, the day after receiving this award, Ellie will be leading her sixth walk for the British Heart Foundation, who have named her the Young Hero of the Year.
In a personal letter to Ellie, Prime Minister Theresa May said:
“Your work, raising over £33,000 for the ‘British Heart Foundation’, has been truly remarkable. You have inspired your family and friends to support the charity and should be very proud of your achievements, especially at such a young age. I wish you all the best for your walk tomorrow.”