Amelie Turnbull, aged nine, won the Inspiration Award in 2023 sponsored by McDonald’s.
She and mum Davina gave a presentation at the Mayor’s reception which charted Amelie’s fundraising efforts through her artworks, and her delight at winning the award.
She began painting watercolours aged seven and soon began selling them to raise money for two charities which had helped her brother George.
The 16-year-old has a complex genetic condition and the family is supported by Camp Mohawk, a multi-functional day centre for children with special needs and their families in Wargrave, and The Music Club, which offers music sessions for children with disabilities and additional needs.
Amelie, from Caversham Heights, donates 50% of her profits to the charities and has raised £7,000 to date, said her mum who thanked the Pride of Reading Awards for the opportunities they had given her daughter.
One of these was the chance to sell her watercolour designs as Christmas cards through McDonald’s outlets across the area, winning her press coverage for her fundraising as far away as Luton.
And she had also realised a lifelong ambition – to create her own McFlurry, Davina added.
Another commission came from The Hilton Reading, another Pride of Reading Awards sponsor, courtesy of general manager John McLaughlin.
He asked the talented watercolour artist to produce a card based on its OXBO restaurant that they could give to special guests to thank them for their stay.
Amelie’s painting was based on the greenery that she noticed in the restaurant.
To see Amelie’s art, log on to: www.littleamelieart.com
