Two pupils from Monmouth School for Girls, Holly and Emily Walker, have been given a Diana Award in honour of their fundraising efforts for Cancer Research Wales.
The Diana Award, a charity named for the late Princess of Wales, annually honours 200 young people from around the world for their social or humanitarian actions.
Holly and Emily were nominated for the award their headmistress, Jessica Miles, after the sisters raised more than £185,000 in memory of their brother Tom, who died at the age of 13 from acute myeloid leukaemia in 2018.
One fundraising event organised by the girls, Swim for Tom, saw more than 600 swimmers swim a combined total of 39,000 lengths and raise over £25,000.
They also coordinated a lockdown-beating Walk for Tom, during which 250 people from across the globe were encouraged to get out in the fresh air and take a stroll.
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“[The girls’] positive and uplifting approach has been recognised by their fellow pupils and parents and galvanised a whole community to take part in fundraising initiatives,” said Miles.
“They have both grown in confidence and maturity and their fundraising has given them an important focus and clear goal during an incredibly difficult period of time.
“Holly and Emily remain driven to keeping their brother’s memory alive and their achievements have been supported by thousands of people who are all continuing to shine a bright light on Tom.”
The Diana Award is not the first time that the siblings have been recognised for their charitable efforts. Earlier this year, they were named young fundraisers of the year at the Child of Wales Awards 2022 in Cardiff.
And, in June last year, they received the prime minister’s UK Points of Light award, recognising individuals making a positive impact in their community.
Pic: Diana Award winners, Holly and Emily Walker, with headmistress at Monmouth School for Girls, Jessica Miles
