MBE for student’s exceptional charity work

An inspirational student from the University of Salford has been awarded an MBE for raising £95,000 for sick children.

Kirsty Ashton, 21, was the youngest person included on the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List which recognises her fundraising efforts for When You Wish Upon A Star – a charity that makes the dreams of seriously ill children come true.

Kirsty suffers from the incurable disease neurofibromatosis which causes tumours to keep growing on her body. She has endured many painful operations to remove them and wears a back brace due to damage caused to her spine.

When You Wish Upon A Star sent Kirsty to Lapland as a child and she decided to help others go too. Since 1998 her charity events have funded Lapland trips for over 100 poorly children who wanted to meet Santa Claus at Christmas time.

Kirsty is studying at The Manchester College for a University of Salford foundation degree in radio production. University Vice-Chancellor Professor Martin Hall said: “Kirsty is an excellent role model for our students. She has not let her illness hold her back and her achievements are remarkable.”

Peter Tavernor, Principal, The Manchester College, commented: "We're delighted that Kirsty's fundraising efforts have been recognised in such a high profile way. For someone so young to make such a great effort on the behalf of others, despite challenges in her own life, is truly commendable."

Kirsty said: “I was shocked to receive the MBE because fundraising has always been a hobby that I enjoy. I’m hoping to raise even more money and have raised my target to £175,000.”

Donations can be made through Kirsty’s website: www.kirstysstory.co.uk