A 13 year old girl from Looe who has shown immense courage in continuing her schooling whilst coping with serious illness is to receive a Child of Resolution Award.
Sarah McDonough, who is a pupil at Looe Community School, will travel to London with her parents to attend the award ceremony in May.
They will be taken on a coach tour of the capital and attend a reception at the House of Commons. Sarah is one of ten outstanding children who will receive awards from the charity Present (formerly The National Association for the Education of Sick Children).
The awards are supported by internet company AOL.
Sarah was born with a congenital heart defect and throughout her childhood has spent long periods of time in hospital, undergoing heart surgery several times. Her life has been beset by medical difficulties, but she has borne all these with courage and come through the hardest times to make the most of life.
Speaking about the award, Sarah's mum Sue said: "We're ever so proud of Sarah, because she does deserve it. In a sense it's sad because every disabled child deserves recognition, but we hope that seeing Sarah would spur other children on to think 'If she can do it, I can do it'"
Shopping
Currently in Year 9, Sarah has insisted on taking part in the full curriculum, although she becomes tired particularly towards the end of the day.
She loves art and working on the computer and according to her mum is mad about shopping! Recently she became dependent on her wheelchair but has remained positive and cheerful, continuing to go out with her best friend Kerry Heywood who is a very special help to her.
It has been very difficult for Sarah to keep up with the demands of the National Curriculum this year due to the length of time she has had to spend in hospital. Nevertheless she tries her very best at all times with little fuss.
Battles
Her teacher comments that Sarah rarely lets things get her down and battles on when others would have given up. Since joining the school Sarah has earned over 100 house points and has produced some excellent Art work.
In the words of Headteacher Helga Turner, who nominated Sarah for the award, she is a model student who is a delight to have as a member of the school.