A SEVEN-year-old from Market Lavington has won a Young Hero award at a star-studded event in recognition of her incredible fundraising efforts for Muscular Dystrophy UK.

Carmela Chillery-Watson lives with the extremely rare condition LMNA-CMD which means she experiences severe pain and discomfort every single day. Children with her condition rarely live up to 20 years old.

Despite the physical challenges she faces, Carmela has raised more than £50,000 for Muscular Dystrophy UK over the years through a number of impressive fundraising activities.

Last year, Carmela (then aged six) completed a gruelling challenge where she walked the equivalent of a marathon every day for a month while dressed as her favourite superhero Wonder Woman.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Carmela meets David BeckhamCarmela meets David Beckham

Carmela’s incredible efforts were recognised at the star-studded Who Cares Wins Awards event on Sunday night in London when she was presented with the The Sun’s Young Hero award by Aston Villa’s Tyrone Mings and Paralympic athlete Lauren Steadman.

Carmela also met a host of other famous faces on the night including Prince William, David Beckham, and Rod Stewart.

The Prime Minister, who gave Carmela a Points of Lights award earlier this year, was also in attendance.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:

Carmela was nominated for her award by Lilly Aspell, who plays the young Diana Prince in the Wonder Woman films. Video footage of their friendship was played to the celebrity audience before Carmela received her award.

Lilly said: “I nominated the amazing Carmela in recognition of her fantastic fundraising for Muscular Dystrophy UK because she is a true inspiration for everyone. Her resilience and bravery to help others makes Carmela a true Wonder Girl, and I am so happy that she won this award!”

Carmela didn’t know she had won until her name was announced. She said: “I can’t believe it, especially as there were so many amazing finalists! Muscular Dystrophy UK has really helped my family so I always try to be brave like Wonder Girl when I’m raising money for them.”

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Carmela with Chippenham's sweetheart Tyrone MingsCarmela with Chippenham's sweetheart Tyrone Mings

Catherine Woodhead, CEO of Muscular Dystrophy UK, said: “We’re thrilled that Carmela has won such a prestigious award in recognition of her fundraising efforts for Muscular Dystrophy UK. Despite the pain she faces on a daily basis, Carmela is determined to help the UK’s 70,000 people living with a muscle-wasting condition through her fundraising.

“She’s an extraordinary seven-year-old who really deserves the Young Hero award. Well done Carmela!”