DON’T let anyone tell you that getting your hands on a Pride of St Helens award doesn’t mean a lot to the winners.

Lauren Parker said she was stunned when her name was read out as Child of Courage.

The 12-year-old admitted: “My legs were shaking.”

Lauren was born at 27 weeks weighing just 1lb 11oz and without any fingers on her left hand after the amniotic band wrapped around her hand in the womb.

At 17 weeks her doctors and parents were worried about her progress as she was unable to walk.

Lauren was diagnosed with a form of cerebral palsy caused by damage to the brain, leaving her with weakness down the left hand side of her body.

She has undergone numerous operations over the years and been praised for her bravery and attitude.

Lauren was nominated by last year’s Pride of St Helens winner Andy Reid.

Speaking to Stephen Cruse from the organisation Amputation Inspiration Motivation, which he founded with Andy, and who sponsored the award, Lauren volunteered to take part in their upcoming charity bike ride.

A team from AIM will set out on Sunday, December 8 to cycle 60 miles from Aintree Prosthetic Centre to Preston Prosthetic centre via their base in St Helens. Lauren is planning to take part with her dad Dean.

Steve said: “She has worked hard and deserves it.

“We offer inspiration and motivation, but she is an unbelievable inspiration.

“Even if she can come along and do half a mile it will be amazing. We will have a support vehicle so she will be able to go as little or as far as she wants.”

Highly commended were Susanna Petersburska and Abbi Duffy.