The first national award in memory of a Sheppey youngster who died on a school trip has been presented to a teenager from the Isle of Wight.
Emily Brady, 13, pictured, received the Charlotte Wright Child of Kindness Award for her dedication to helping animals at the RSPCA’s Godshill Animal Centre, Isle of Wight.
Emily, whose nickname is Maggot, has helped for five years at the centre, caring for rabbits and guinea pigs, walking dogs and supporting fund-raising events.
She received her framed certificate on Saturday from Ch Insp Andy Foxcroft of the RSPCA inspectorate at the society’s annual meeting at Kensington Town Hall, London.
The award, to be presented annually, will be given to children under the age of 16 who have shown exceptional kindness or dedication to animals over an extended period of time.
The award was launched at the instigation of Angela Walder, chairman of the RSPCA’s Sheppey branch, who was Charlotte Wright’s godmother.
Saturday’s ceremony was attended by Charlotte’s mother, Karen Williams, a veterinary nurse at flowers Surgery in Sheerness, and other family members.
Charlotte was eight years old when she collapsed and died from sudden heart failure two years ago as she scaled a tree during a school adventure holiday.
A fund raising event in memory of Charlotte will be held on Sunday, starting at mid-day at the Blacksmith’s Arms in Clyde Street, Sheerness.
Proceeds will be donated to Demelza House children’s hospice at Bobbing, Preston Skreens respite centre for children at Minster, and Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).
Events will include a pool competition, a men’s wet T-shirt contest, face painting for children, music and a raffle.
There also will be a buffet and barbecue.
