My name is Elliot and I received a special award for Outstanding Achievement at Cerebra’s annual Awards. Cerebra is a national charity which supports children and young people with brain injuries or other brain problems. Here is my report on the event and the big surprise in store for me there…

My take on life

I had no idea I had even been nominated for the award, let alone won! Just as well. I don’t see myself as different or special – just as someone who can do some things well, but there are other things that I have to work really hard at! Also I have to accept that there are some things that I will never be able to do – for example, I have a scribe to help me with my studies. My take on life is that you can’t choose what life throws at you but you can choose your attitude!

Positively different

When we pulled into the driveway of the hotel it was a real wow factor. It was truly going to be a grand occasion!

The ceremony was opened by the Chief Executive, who gave a brief outline into what Cerebra is and what it does.

Up next was Francesca Martinez, a comedienne. Everyone was laughing, especially the way she described her cerebral palsy: “Wobbly,” she thought was a much better word. She delivered half an hour of funny, sometimes a bit risky, yet incredibly thought provoking material, highlighting that it is OK to be different.

Amazing winners

After that there was a lovely three course meal. I loved the triple chocolate dessert!

A bit of a deviation from the evening’s events happened next as it was one of the winner’s 10th birthday. After the rendition of Happy Birthday, small cup cakes were handed out to everyone in the room! (I saved mine to have a midnight feast in the hotel room later!) It was now time for the main event of the evening... the awards (I still hadn’t had a glimpse of the programme as my mug shot was in there – my parents were keeping me in the dark!)

The first award went to Henry Hughes for being a young carer, made even more remarkable that he is only age six! He seemed to have knowledge, way beyond his years, about the difficulties that his twin sister faces and how to help her! He stole the show with his cute smile and his incredibly debonair dress sense!

The second award winner was Helaina Stone who, despite having a rare genetic disorder, lives life to the full. Her mum spoke, movingly, about people first seeing the disability and not the child.

The next award winner was Josh who got the award for Educational Achievement. There was a big gasp in the room when it was announced that Josh in year 7 had got a GCSE in Spanish grade A*(100%!) – a true shining example that you can be successful despite difficulties of Asperger Syndrome. Something that really touched my heart!

Birthday girl

The birthday girl Elise Fullard then received the award for sporting achievement. Her true determination and positivity demonstrated by the endless activities she undertakes each week made me feel a little bit like a couch potato!

Simon Parton got the brilliant brother award but, unfortunately, could not be there in person to receive it. He has supported his brother who has autism.

I know how important it is to have a brother who understands. During my endless therapies my little brother Oliver was always patient and never jealous of the additional attention I received.

Bashir, a 17-year-old-boy with Down’s Syndrome, nominated his dad, Ally. This brought out the tissues as Bashir spoke movingly about his love for his dad. A letter was read out that highlighted that his life might be very different, even in an institution, but for the care, love and support of his dad.

Next to receive an award was an amazing mum, Lisa Fishwick. She received the volunteer of the year award. She gives her time freely to support other parents with children who have Smith Magenis Syndrome. Her daughter Grace had a smile a mile wide that showed how proud she was of her mum!

During my roving reporting, I asked Melanie, from Cerebra, if they were going to save the best till last. “Oh, yes,” she replied “You will be very surprised!”

…and the final award tonight, winner of Outstanding Achievement is…

Elliot Brown! (ME!)

Flabbergasted was the only word to describe that moment! I heard about my story and realised that, maybe, I hadn’t had it easy over the last 16 years! I loved the video but wondered how they had got all those images…

Mum, of course....

I couldn’t be cross as she spoke of how incredibly proud she was of me (thank heavens for tissues!).

Having received an award has made me realise that I shouldn’t stop believing in myself and has given me the courage and aspiration to keep on going, despite my difficulties!

A great big thank you to all at Cerebra for a wonderful night to remember.

All the award winners should give inspiration to others, to accept what life throws at them and choose the attitude to succeed!

Learn more about the work of Cerebra at www.cerebra.org.uk