Congratulations to Elsy, in Year 6, on winning the 2018 Courage Award at The Wave Project Awards event in November. Elsy takes part in The Wave Project, an organisation which offers children with additional needs the chance to learn to surf in an inclusive and safe environment, whilst also making lots of new friends. As Elsy has acute Auto Immune Disorder, her severe and life threatening allergies could result in a traumatic and potentially life threatening reaction at any time. However, she feels free from these when in her wetsuit and in the Atlantic waves; she has achieved great success with her surfing.

Presenting the award to Elsy, Wave Project Patron and former Olympic gold medal winner, Victoria Pendleton CBE said:

“Courage is not something you’re born with, or can train, it is simply there for you when you need it.”

Elsy shows so much courage every day by overcoming her acute allergies to take to the waves and her dedication and determination has ensured that her surfing continues to go from strength to strength.

Elsy’s story is featured on The Wave Project’s: www.waveproject.co.uk