Ballinderry girl given Point of Light Award by Prime Minister

David Cameron named 18-year-old Danielle McGriskin, who helped raise £136,000 for brain tumour charities, as a Point of Light award winner.

As well as setting up the Danielle McGriskin Fund, she inspired thousands through her blog called ‘Danielle’s Journey,’ where she writes about her experiences of living with her brain tumour and hydrocephalus.

The blog has had over 39,000 hits since 2013.

Through her inspiring story, others have organised marathons, a May ball, dragon boat races, tough mudder challenges and many more events have been completed to raise vital funds and awareness.

Danielle said, “It is a great honour and privilege to have been nominated and to receive the Point of Light award from the Prime Minister.

“Finding out about the devastation brain tumours cause, inspired me to share my journey and set up my supporter group.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has followed my personal journey and for helping to raise vital funds for research into brain tumours.”

A Point of Light awards recognises outstanding individuals who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.

Each day, someone, somewhere in the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their remarkable achievements.

It was in July 2010 when Danielle was diagnosed with a brain tumour and hydrocephalus (water on the brain),

Shortly after her diagnosis Danielle started to fundraise for research into brain tumours and raised more than £136,000 for The Brain Tumour Charity.

She founded The Danielle McGriskin Fund, the first group to be set up in Northern Ireland with the Brain Tumour Charity.

She did this while still suffering from the symptoms of her brain tumour, hydrocephalus and undergoing numerous operations and a course of radiotherapy.

Danielle created wristbands labelled with her motto ‘Stay Strong, Keep Positive... Always.’

Hundreds of wristbands have been sold so far, with all profits going to The Brain Tumour Charity.

Danielle has also organised events, from a Fashion Show and concert to events held in schools across the community.

In 2014 in recognition of her efforts she was selected by The Brain Tumour Charity to be one of their young ambassadors.

The Money raised through the charity will support awareness of brain tumours through the HeadSmart Campaign and UK Research Projects accredited by AMRC Peer Review.