As the proud patron of her charity, I was honoured to present Mikayla with her well-deserved Points of Light Award from the Prime Minister. It recognises the incredible work that she has done to improve the lives of hundreds of children across England who are bravely battling cancer.
Mikayla Beames, aged 17, from Wantage, has been fighting brain cancer since she was 4 years old and founded her charity ‘Team Mikayla’ to help other children with cancer.
Mikayla received her diagnosis of a brain tumour after her family noticed issues with her eyesight, and she wanted to help other children on the ward where she was receiving treatment. She delivered her first gift in 2011, before going on to launch ‘Team Mikayla’ in 2014, which fundraises through various events, raffles and donations, using money raised to help grant wishes to children receiving treatment.
Mikayla has so far raised over £300,000 and provided gifts and treats for over 300 children. Volunteers have undertaken challenges including running marathons and taking part in other fundraising events, to support the charity that helps children receiving treatment at hospitals in Oxford, Leicester, Bristol and Nottingham, with plans to expand to further hospitals.
Mikayla said:
"I am surprised and honoured to be recognised for my charity work from our Prime Minister, and a huge thank you to our Patron and local MP David Johnston for presenting it."
