Disabled girl, 6, born weighing just two pounds up for national award
A six-year-old local girl described as a ‘little inspiration’ by her mum will be recognised at a national disability charity’s annual awards.
The Sense Awards, now in its 21st year, is the charity’s annual celebration of people with complex disabilities and those in their lives that support them. There are 13 categories in total which aim to recognise the achievements of disabled people and those that support them, including carers, campaigners and fundraisers.
One of the people set to be recognised by the charity is Emersyn Jackson, who lives in Belfast with her mum Gemma and her older brother Jayden, 15. Emersyn was born prematurely at just 29 weeks, weighing two pounds and two ounces and with a number of health conditions including two holes in her heart. Her family were told to expect the worst when she was born – saying goodbye to her on eight occasions.
However Emersyn defied the odds and is now described by her family as a bubbly, joyful little girl. She continues to live with multiple health conditions and disabilities – including sight and hearing impairments, Down Syndrome, low muscle tone and global developmental delay. She also experiences hyperglycaemic coma episodes, which mum says are so severe the family nearly lost Emersyn four times this year.
Emersyn loves to fundraise for local charities and good causes, including for Royal Victoria Hospital where she spent her first 94 days of life. Her fundraising efforts include a colouring competition, running raffles, selling goods at a Christmas fair and asking local shops to donate vouchers for lottery prizes. Last year she delivered cakes and desserts for the staff at the neo-natal unit who looked after her when she was born, to mark World Prematurity Day.
Emersyn has been supported by Sense throughout her life through the charity’s nursery and summer scheme services. The charity is set to expand its services in Northern Ireland with the launch of Sense Hub Belfast, scheduled to open next year.
In recognition of Emersyn’s amazing achievements and resilience, she has been shortlisted for Sense’s Young Person of the Year.
Emersyn’s mum Gemma Jackson said: “Emersyn is a little inspiration to everybody. No matter what she goes through she comes out shining, bright and bubbly. It means a lot to me that Emersyn has been shortlisted – it will show other parents of kids like Emersyn not to hold back because of their disabilities or illness.”
Sense, the national charity that supports people with complex disabilities, received more than 100 nominations for its awards this year. It was down to a team of disabled judges to review the nominations and decide a shortlist of three entries for each category. These judges were: author Lisette Auton, playwright Matilda Feyiṣayọ Ibini, influencer Shelby Lynch, activist Paige Barnes, singer-songwriter Joe Kenny, Drag King Crip Ladywood, and the first blind female fitness instructor Jaina Mistry. You can find out more about them here: www.sense.org.uk/sense-awards/judges/
Richard Kramer, Chief Executive at Sense, said: “Emersyn really is a little star, who’s been through so much in her short life but is always looking to give back and fundraise for good causes. I hope Emersyn is happy to be shortlisted for this Sense Award – it’s a fantastic achievement and a real testament to her resilience and determination.”
Sense will be revealing this year’s winners on its social media channels in November. You can find out more about the Sense Awards on the charity’s website: www.sense.org.uk/sense-awards