Teenage honours recipient founded charity aged eight after cancer diagnosis
Mikayla Beames, 18, has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) after founding Team Mikayla after she was diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of four.
The charity grants wishes for children receiving treatment for cancer in Oxford as well as Leicester, Bristol, and Nottingham Children’s Hospitals, and has raised more than £300,000.
Ms Beames, from Wantage, said: “It’s mad (to be one of the youngest recipients) it doesn’t seem real. It’s absolutely amazing.
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“(Being honoured) is an utter shock. I was surprised.
“My mum actually read it out to me … I couldn’t believe it.”
“It’s the whole world, you don’t expect to be recognised with such a big award.”
Since 2014, Team Mikayla has granted 220 wishes to children who are fighting cancer, including trips to theme parks, new playhouses and even hair extensions and a makeover.
Mikayla Beames at Elmbridge Court in Wantage (Image: springup-pr) Ms Beames recollected making a young boy a “knight for the day” by sending him to Warwick Castle, saying it was “amazing” to see the pictures of him.
The charity has just distributed more than 1,000 Christmas presents.
Asked what advice she would give to other young people considering charity work, she said: “Do it. It’s so rewarding and knowing that you can make a difference to others is amazing.”
Mikayla, who still has chemo, but is stable, has a work placement at Elmbrook Court care home and plans to take her NVQ Level 2 exams in health and social care at the City of Oxford College in January, and then begin studying for her NVQ Level 3.
Lifestyles manager at Elmbrook Court Sharon Ottley said: “Mikayla is wonderful. She’s so enthusiastic, she’s got lots of energy, and she’s a fantastic addition to the team.”
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In February Mikayla received a Points of Light award from then prime minister Rishi Sunak presented by former MP for Wantage David Johnston.
Mr Johnston said: “It recognises the incredible work that she has done to improve the lives of hundreds of children across England who are bravely battling cancer.”
Last week Wantage Town Council praised Mikayla’s “initiative and fortitude in overcoming personal obstacles to make meaningful contributions to the wider community”.
In a tribute on the council website it said: “Mikayla Daisy Beames is a shining example of resilience and empathy.
“Her ability to transform personal challenges into impactful actions for others is deeply inspirational and reflects a level of maturity beyond her years.”
