A KIND-HEARTED teenager who helped make dreams come true for critically ill children has received a prestigious gold award.

Knutsford Academy pupil Misk Al-Rawi raised more than £1,500 for the Make A Wish charity after completing a 5k cycle marathon.

The 14-year-old has also supported her nine-year-old sister Aya, who has cerebral palsy, as well as getting involved in countless other charity challenges during lockdown.

Altogether, the year nine pupil has achieved more than 250 hours of voluntary service in less than a year, all during the pandemic.

Misk supported Aya during her intensive physiotherapy course abroad and also donated homemade cakes to thank NHS heroes for all their efforts treating Covid patients.

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Over Christmas she volunteered as one of Santa’s elves at the Dunham Barn Santa's grotto after school, where she also baked and sold handmade crafted biscuits.

Misk Al-Rawi and sister Aya

Misk Al-Rawi and sister Aya

Misk Al-Rawi and sister Aya

Knutsford Lions have honoured her outstanding achievement by awarding her a Young Leaders in Service (YLiS) gold award.

Michael Goldman, Lions YLiS team leader, said: “It was really great to hear about Misk's activities, not only helping her younger sister, but also her contributions to wider society, especially during these isolating times.

"The YLiS scheme was launched in 2014 by Knutsford Lions, with support from Knutsford Town Council and operates at Knutsford Academy, with a good number of students achieving an award.

"However, Covid-19 has curtailed activities and news of Misk’s work was really welcome. She has already received a new logbook to go for YLiS Gold II with a further year of volunteering.

"The Lions were so impressed that we have donated £150 to a cerebral palsy charity chosen by her – Cerebra – which helps disabled youngsters.”

The Lions offer an award to youngsters who give voluntary unpaid service to their family, neighbours and the community over a year. The gold award is usually given for 100 hours of service.

Chris Leigh, assistant headteacher at Knutsford Academy, said: "We are immensely proud of what Misk has achieved over the last 12 months, especially in such challenging circumstances.

"The YLiS award offers wonderful volunteering opportunities for young people and the Academy is delighted to promote the Knutsford Lions scheme to our students."