Sixteen-year-old’s powerful presentation at school assembly

A 16-year-old girl gave a powerful presentation at an assembly at her school to raise awareness of Undiagnosed Children’s Day.
Jess Smith, a pupil at Warrington’s Sir Thomas Boteler CE High School was speaking in support of the charity SwanUK – “Swan” stands for Syndromes Without a Name.
Undiagnosed Children’s Day is a day to raise awareness of children and young adults in the UK with varying conditions that have yet to receive a diagnosis.
About 6,000 children a year are born without a diagnosis in the UK and SwanUK is the only dedicated support network available for families of children and young adults with undiagnosed genetic conditions.
Jess said: “I have a younger brother, aged 10, who has an undiagnosed genetic condition. This condition means he cannot walk, talk or barely lift his head up, amongst many other complex needs. “He spends a lot of time in and out of hospital, which means he has to go through a lot. This year’s theme for Undiagnosed Children’s Day was all about being brave like a lion, and my brother certainly is brave with all he has to go through.
“The charity SwanUK and its Undiagnosed Children’s Day help both myself and my family, and I’m very grateful to everyone who raised money on the day to help keep it going.”
The school’s graphic designer Alice Roberts said: “We are extremely proud of Jess and the work she has done to raise awareness and funds. She is an inspiration to the other students – and to the staff.”
For more information about Swan UK, visit their website: www.undiagnosed.org.uk
Pictured (left to right): Hannah Smith and Jess Smith (Hannah is Jess’ 13 year old sister, who is also a Boteler pupil)