Brave Ceri scoops international award (From Stourbridge News)

Brave Ceri scoops international award

12:36pm Tuesday 19th June 2007 in Local By Martyn Smith

A TEENAGER from Kingswinford is packing her bags to head for the USA after winning a top international award.

Ceri Davies, from Vernier Avenue, is heading for St Louis in the state of Missouri for the presentation of the Build-a-Bear Huggable Heroes awards for young people who make outstanding contributions in voluntary and community services.

Ceri, aged 17, is among the top ten youngsters, chosen from 1,300 nominations, to scoop an all expenses paid four-day trip across the Atlantic, £1,250 for a charity of her choice and £3,500 to help with her college expences.

Ceri said: "I am really excited about this, it feels quite special, there is only one other person from the UK in the top ten."

"The really good thing is it will be great to talk to people involved in similar things"

Brave Ceri plans to donate her prize cash to Birmingham Children's Hospital where she has received treatment for cerebral palsy, including major surgery last year.

Ceri said: "I had a 12-hour operation there in August which I really needed so I want to give something back.

"The money will go towards improving toy facilities for young people on the ward."

Ceri, a student at Halesowen College, has never let her health problems detract from her youth work, including travelling the UK as an ambassador for the Princess Diana Trust and working for Dudley Youth Forum.

Ceri's mum Denise said: "We are over the moon, this is a dream come true for Ceri, she has always wanted to go to America.

"She is so determined to help others and the more that happens in her life inspires her more and more to carry on, I think that is why she won the award."