10-year-old Fund beneficiary and fundraiser wins Yorkshire Children of Courage award

A 10-year-old Fund beneficiary and supporter has won an award at the Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards 2023 for taking part in a triathlon this summer and raising money for the Fund.

Emily Caffrey completed the Yorkshire Abilities Triathlon in May this year, a triathlon put on for participants with disabilities.

Emily, who has cerebral palsy, completed a 50m swim, a 1500m bike ride and a 800m run with her walker and raised over £3000 for the Fund.

Emily won the 'Sporting Superstar' award (12 and under) at the awards ceremony at the New Dock Hall in Leeds last month. The ceremony was attended by 700 guests, sponsors, and celebrities. Emily’s award was presented by Hannah Cockroft OBE DL, Paralympian, and multiple world record holder.

Emily’s father, Jon Caffrey, said: "It was a complete surprise when we found out that she had been nominated as we knew nothing about it. It transpired that Emily had been nominated by a friend of one of her teachers for the triathlon she took part in earlier in the year."

Jon continued: "Emily loves helping people and raising money by doing these challenges and she was so happy to be recognised on such a big occasion. Her family, and all her friends, were and are understandably so proud of her."

Emily said: "I raised money for the RAF Benevolent Fund because they have helped me so much in the past. They paid for a specially adapted horse-riding saddle for me, contributed towards my special trike and helped to get my mum and dad’s house adapted to make things easier."

Emily’s father Jon Caffrey served in the RAF Police for 22 years before retiring in May 2019, meaning the family were eligible for support from the Fund.