A little girl who has coped throughout her short life with a rare spinal disease has been celebrated with an award given to her by Prince Harry.
Five-year-old Myzat Mugomba was last week picked from hundreds of poorly children to receive the 2016 WellChild Award at the Dorchester Hotel.
Though her family live in Peckham, tiny Myzat has spent months of her life in the care of nurses at the Evelina Hospital.
Since birth she has suffered from Spinal Muscular Atrophy type-2 and breathes with the aid of a tra-cheostomy. Myzat relies on a wheelchair, has little muscle tone, and needs to be ventilated 24 hours a day to maintain her breathing.
Myzat was nominated for the award by her nurse, Laura Duffell, who said: “Every single professional who comes into contact with Myzat is struck by her strength of character and positive attitude.
“I am so proud to know her and to witness how she takes on each challenge that comes her way.
“I hope winning a WellChild Award will help her to understand how very proud we all are of her and her achievements.”
Myzat was selected from hundreds of nominees from around the country by a panel of leading health professionals and others with an interest in children’s health and includes children and young people who face serious illness themselves.
With her parents and three older sisters at her side, Myzat was introduced to Prince Harry, who gave a speech at the ceremony.
“The stories we have heard tonight are moving beyond words,” Harry said.
“They remind us of the utter insignificance of our everyday worries. Yet, one of the things that always stands out is the positivity shown by those in the most difficult and testing circumstances.
“It is heartening to hear so many stories of happiness and hope, even through the dark times.”