Rotherham's Hayley wins inspirational young person award | Tenant news

Wheelchair basketball champion Hayley Cassin has done it again winning the Wellchild’s Inspirational Young Person award.

The WellChild Awards celebrates the inspirational qualities of the UK’s seriously ill children and young people, along with those who go that extra mile to make a difference to their lives.

Hayley, now aged 15, from Rotherham, is living with cerebral palsy diplegia and has regular physiotherapy sessions. “I’m not disabled, I’m differently abled," she says.

Having faced her own challenges, she is determined to help others. So much so, that she has raised over £100,000 for charity as an ambassador for Variety the Children’s Charity.

As well as raising money through singing in a choir, Hayley uses her story to encourage sponsors to donate money for children’s disability equipment.

Inspiration

Describing Hayley as a hero, her mum Susan, along with hundreds of other people nominated, Hayley for the award.

When she collected her award, Hayley had the pleasure of meeting Prince Harry the Duke of Sussex (pictured right with Hayley) who spoke to her about wheelchair rugby.

She also met Harry Potter actor Tom Felton, Girls Aloud singer Nadine Coyle, TV presenter Gaby Roslin, and many more celebrities.

Susan added: “I’m in awe of her. Hayley is an amazing and inspirational child who always promotes wellbeing.

“She has pushed through so much adversity, and she oozes positivity, fun and encouragement. She is very humble and I think that’s why she won.” 

Power of sport

Away from raising money, Hayley is an advocate for the power of sport. She has won numerous medals for wheelchair basketball playing for the Sheffield Steelers and is on the England pathway to play for Great Britain.

She also plays wheelchair rugby for team GB’s development team as well as Leicester Tigers and Yorkshire Lions Wheelchair rugby. Her passion for sport has even led her to be a guest on the BBC’s children’s CBeebies Radio Podcast where she raised awareness of disability through sport to youngsters.

This is another incredible achievement, Hayley. Congratulations from all at Habinteg.