Kirsty Ashton
Kirsty Ashton is a young woman from Wythenshawe in Manchester who received the M.B.E. for her work in charity fundraising. When Kirsty was 11 weeks old she was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis (NF1). The condition caused her no problems until she was eight years old when she was also diagnosed with scoliosis. She now lives a very different but full life, surrounded by her family and a large group of friends.
Biography
She started to write a website at the tender age of 9. Despite her illness she wanted to do as much as she could to help others. Her book was published in 2011. In 2012, Kirsty received an M.B.E due to her hard work and commitment to raising money for When You Wish Upon A Star. Her M.B.E. was presented to her by Queen Elizabeth on 22 March 2012 at Buckingham Palace. To date Kirsty has raised £100k for the program.
Kirsty's story starts in 1998 when she was enjoying weekly swimming lessons. She had also joined the same dance school as her brother Christopher, who had been attending dance lessons for a few years. Kirsty wanted to dance on a stage like her brother and was looking forward to her next stage show. Ten years on and Kirsty can no longer dance or swim as well as she could when she was eight years old. She had to give up dancing and swimming because she was in so much pain. Kirsty depends on elbow crutches and uses a power scooter when out shopping. She needs help with some of her everyday activities. Kirsty's story tells how and why her life changed because of the neurofibromatosis and scoliosis and how she has managed to overcome obstacles she faces.
Kirsty is considered a public figure in Manchester and she has represented Manchester as Young Citizen of the Year and the Pride of Manchester. She has received many awards for her hard work and commitment.
Despite all her problems she is still attending Salford University, where she studies Radio Production. She also studies Business at Manchester College.