A SCHOOLGIRL who has led a fundraising campaign for terminally ill children has been given a prestigious award.
Fifteen-year-old Madeline Castrey, who attends Dunottar School for Girls in Reigate, is a recipient of the Diana Award – set up in 1999 by the Government to remember the Princess of Wales' belief in the power of young people to change the world.
And it was a bout of sickness which triggered Madeline's remarkable charity drive.
The youngster, who lives in Chaldon, formed a youth singing group called Charisma 14 months ago. Since then she has staged a series of musical concerts across Surrey.
To date it has raised about £8,400 for the Shooting Star CHASE children's hospice near Guildford.
Industrious Madeline also produced a Christmas single called Shooting Star which the five-piece group sang on.
It has received almost 3,000 YouTube hits so far.
Madeline told the Mirror: "I'm absolutely thrilled to win this award.
"I came out of my chemistry GCSE mock exam when my mother told me the news.
"I was totally amazed."
Her mother Jacqueline spoke of how Madeline was feeling ill with a viral infection in 2011.
She reminded her daughter that other children were in a far worse state, such as those in hospices – and that triggered Madeline's fundraising quest.
Mrs Castrey said: "Madeline teaches other pupils music theory in her spare time to help pay for the cost of booking halls for the concerts.
"All the money raised goes to Shooting Stars.
"She has kept exceeding the target she has set.
"Now her quest is to raise £10,000."
The multi-talented youngster got a A* grade in her music GCSE at the tender age of 10.
She also plays the violin, the clarinet and the piano – and has appeared in the West End production of The Lion King.
East Surrey MP Sam Gyimah said: "Congratulations to Madeline on being honoured with this well deserved award.
"Her tireless and creative fundraising efforts have resulted in an impressive contribution to the Shooting Star CHASE hospice.
"The Diana Award is a wonderful way of celebrating the immense contribution that some young people make to their local communities."
The other members of Charisma are Madeline's sister Matilda, 13, plus 15-year-old Emily Burrill and Jodee Hodge-Bright and Flynn Marks, both 13.
