On January 5, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak presented the esteemed Points of Light award to 17-year-old Mikayla Beames, recognising her exceptional acts of kindness and philanthropy. Mikayla exemplifies the very spirit of the award, which honours individuals who inspire positive change and bring hope to their communities.
At just four years old, Mikayla faced a life-changing diagnosis of a brain tumour. This health challenge arose after her family noticed issues with her eyesight. Despite her struggles, Mikayla’s resolve to help others emerged early as she expressed a desire to support others on the ward where she was being treated.
In 2011, at the age of 9, Mikayla began her journey of giving by presenting her first gift to another patient. Inspired by the happiness she could bring, she founded her charity, Team Mikayla, in 2013, officially launching it in 2014. The charity focuses on raising funds to grant the wishes of children undergoing similar medical treatments. This mission is achieved through various fundraising events, raffles, and donations from supporters.
To date, Mikayla has raised over £300,000, significantly enriching the lives of more than 300 children by distributing gifts and treats to hospitals in Oxford, Leicester, Bristol, and Nottingham. Her ambition extends to reaching more hospitals in the future, continually expanding the charity’s positive impact.
Upon receiving the award, Mikayla expressed her gratitude and enthusiasm, highlighting her motivation to bring happiness to children fighting cancer. She credited her trustees and volunteers for contributing to the charity’s success. The recognition from the Prime Minister validates their collective efforts and dedication.
Wantage MP David Johnston commended Mikayla’s outstanding achievements. He acknowledged the incredible challenges she has faced and praised her unwavering commitment to helping others in similar circumstances. As a patron of Team Mikayla, Johnston shared his pride in knowing Mikayla and her family, further noting the charity’s inspiring work.
Recently, the charity also received a financial boost from the Wantage Mummers, a prominent local performance group. They generously donated £2,250 raised from the ticket sales of their annual Boxing Day pantomime performance, showcasing the community’s shared support for Mikayla’s cause.
Mikayla’s parents, who serve as trustees for the charity, expressed admiration for their daughter’s accomplishments. They have witnessed her transform from a young child with a vision of spreading kindness into a remarkable leader driving meaningful change. They also extended heartfelt thanks to the community for recognising and supporting Mikayla’s journey and leadership.
Mikayla’s work serves as an enduring source of hope for others navigating similarly challenging paths. Her story stands as a testament to the spirit of the Points of Light award, celebrating her compassion and determination to make a difference, even at such a young age.
If you’re inspired by Mikayla’s efforts and would like to connect with other local causes or activities in Wantage, visit our business directory. To explore opportunities to promote your charity, event, or community group, feel free to submit a listing.
