A GIRL from York who was struck by meningitis as a toddler and has raised funds for York Hospital has been nominated for a Community Pride Award.

Edie Palmer, eight, of Acomb, featured in The Press in 2007 when she was rushed to hospital after breaking out with a tell-tale rash only hours after going to bed with no signs of the killer disease.

At the time, Edie’s mother, Samantha, said doctors told her if it had been a few hours later it would have been “a different story”.

Luckily Edie responded well to the antibiotics given to her by doctors and within three days she was able to join other youngsters on the children’s ward.

In May this year, Edie came up with the idea to raise money for the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at York Hospital by setting out on a five-mile sponsored walk from her home in Green Lane and around the city walls.

Nominating Edie in the Child Of The Year category, her proud mum, Samantha, said: “When Edie was two she had meningitis and nearly died and this year, of her own volition, she decided she wanted to raise money for the baby unit at York Hospital by doing a five mile sponsored walk.

“She has managed so far to raise more than £500 for the unit, entirely through her hard work and dedication – and she’s planning her next fundraising venture.

“She is a quiet and thoughtful little girl who would never ask for fanfares, but I would love to see her recognised for her incredible kind heart and hard work.”

The Community Pride Awards are held in partnership with City of York Council. The principal sponsor is Benenden Health.

To make a nomination visit yorkpress.co.uk/pride