CP Sport young ambassador awarded Point of Light Award
Sheffield Hallam student and Cerebral Palsy Sport young ambassador, Ellie Simpson, 22 has been awarded the prestigious Point of Light Award from Prime Minister, Theresa May. In 2013, Ellie set up CP Teens to support young people with cerebral palsy and provide them with advice and opportunities to socialise and be active.
Having experienced isolation during her time in sixth form, Ellie realised how little social support there was for young people with cerebral palsy. She set up ‘CP Teens’, an organisation to connect young disabled people and provide them with support, advice and opportunities.
Through CP Teens, Ellie runs the only website connecting young people with cerebral palsy, which receives around 1000 visitors per day; organises social events, including an annual charity ball; and sports events where disabled young people can try new sports and also signposts volunteering opportunities.
Following the success of CP Teens, Ellie has also set up ‘CP Tweens’ and ‘CP Teenies’ to support younger people and their families.
In a personal letter to Ellie, Prime Minister Theresa May said:
“By drawing on your own experiences to set up ‘CP Teens’, you have created a supportive and accepting community for young people with cerebral palsy. Your work is going from strength to strength and I wish you every success as CP Teens grows, alongside ‘CP Tweens’ and ‘CP Teenies’ for younger people and their families.”
Ellie recently became a young ambassador for Cerebral Palsy Sport to share her story about the positive impact sport has had on her life. CP Teens and Cerebral Palsy Sport work in partnership to support and encourage more people to enjoy being active and tackle the issue of social isolation, that can often by experienced by people with cerebral palsy.
CP Teens founder, Ellie Simpson said:
“I cannot believe I have been awarded an award as prestigious as a Point Of Light Award. It means such a lot to me and CP Teens UK. When I set up CP Teens UK in 2013, I never could have imagined how many young people it has, and continues to, reach out to and work with. I have met some amazing people and I have made the most special of friendships along the way and I am so excited about the future of CP Teens UK.”
