AN INSPIRATIONAL schoolgirl whose positive outlook has seen her become a role-model for people dealing with alopecia has been recognised with a national award.
Brooke Hurry, an 11-year-old from Hullbridge, was crowned the winner of the "Child of Courage" prize at the famous Child of Britain awards.
Brooke was diagnosed with alopecia areata after her hair began to fall out at just four-years-old.
After first struggling to come to terms with her condition, Brooke is now becoming something of an icon after choosing not to wear a wig and instead embracing her alopecia.
She is now helping other children around Essex come to terms with their alopecia and has set up a volunteer support group along with mum, Gemma Hurry.
Support - Brooke gets support of celebrities
Gemma, 41, said: "Brooke is an amazing young lady with a beautiful attitude to life.
"She has been amazing helping out the young kids, with her positive attitude and courage she shows.
"She chats to the newcomers and involves them in activities while explaining how she deals with her alopecia.
"A lot of them are very self-conscious, which Brooke is not, so she shows them that everything can be ok, and hair does not define them."
Support - Brooke with her family at the Child of Britain award
The Child of Britain Awards, held in June, celebrate inspirational young people helping to make a difference to lives.
Brooke claimed her prize during the award ceremony, which was held at the prestigious JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London.
Gemma has spoken of her pride at her daughter, who she says continues to take everything in her stride - including her new-found fame.
She added: "We are very grateful to Brooke's nominator who took the time to write a stunning statement, which in turn won her the award.
Smile - Brooke happy and confident
"For that we are truly thankful, even now it still feels like a dream.
"Brooke loved all the media attention on the day and would take to being famous very easily.
"She was originally very humbled by being nominated; in her words she is 'just me', and often uses the phrase 'be yourself' as that's the best thing to do.
"She feels a greater sense of confidence now, and is touched by the impact she has, inspiring adults and children alike with or without alopecia."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here