Teenager with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is One Step Closer to UK National Award
Jodie has made great progress fundraising and promoting Ehlers-Danlos Awareness in the UK.
By Emily Parsons
“An inspirational teenager battling a chronic illness is one step closer to a national award.
Jodie Vasquez won Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year at the national Charity Staff and Volunteer Awards 2013Jodie Vasquez, 19, from Currock in Carlisle, has been named on the regional shortlist for the Pride of Britain awards.
They recognise the nation’s unsung heroes, as well as rewarding people for their bravery or vital role within a community.
Jodie has type 3 hypermobility Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), an ‘invisible illness’ which is causing her internal organs to fail one by one.
Diagnosed four years ago, she was forced to be home-schooled, is unable to eat and is fed through a tube.
Despite a seemingly endless list of medical complications, last year Jodie – with the support of her mum Maxine Farish – set up Jodie’s Journey.
It aims to raise awareness of EDS, as well as funds for The Sick Children’s Trust, which provides accommodation for families with children in hospital.
Her delighted supporters have now revealed that Jodie has been shortlisted for the Local Hero 2013 award.
The overall winner is revealed at the Pride of Britain Awards, run by a national newspaper in conjunction with ITV.
Posting on the Jodie’s Journey Facebook site, her mum wrote: “It is with great pride and pleasure that I can tell you all Jodie has been chosen as an area finalist for the one and only Pride of Britain Awards 2013!
“With heartfelt thanks to Emma Warriner alongside many others for nominating her.”
Maxine continues: “Jodie is already a winner in our eyes. We truly appreciate all your love and support.
“Jodie is so excited xxx — feeling proud.”
Jodie has already handed over thousands of pounds to the Sick Children’s Trust, and her achievement has led to meeting the boys from McFly, as well as former Boyzone frontman Ronan Keating.”
Jodie is a likely candidate for the Local Hero 2013 award at the Pride of Britain Awards ceremony.
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