A three-year-old from Sutton has been named as the final member of England’s Lionhearts squad after a special message from Lionesses’ pair Bethany England and Carly Telford.
Daisy Briggs was chosen by the FA after she raised nearly £25,000 with her daily walking frame fundraiser for the NHS.
The three-year-old was born with spinal condition spina bifida and her parents were told that she was unlikely to walk.
But three years later, Daisy defied all odds and coincidentally learnt to walk 25 metres unaided during her fundraiser.
Daisy is the youngest member of the 23-person Lionhearts squad, with each member being selected for their extraordinary efforts during the coronavirus crisis.
The squad was decided by the FA with judges including Gareth Southgate and Marcus Rashford.
MORE: Sutton three-year-old fundraises over £20,000 for 'incredible NHS'
The three-year-old, who attends Little Kickers training sessions near her home in Sutton, was presented with a framed football shirt in honour of her efforts.
A truly inspirational little girl ✨@daisyb_and_me was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, but that hasn’t held her back in life. We went to meet Daisy at a Little Kickers session to welcome her to our #Lionhearts squad! pic.twitter.com/K5imJQwscb
— England (@England) December 31, 2020
Reacting to the news, Daisy's mother Rea Briggs said: "It’s still not sunk in fully. Its just incredible, we’re so proud of her.
"Daisy loves football so this is a dream come true.
"Back in June, The FA we’re taking nominations for people who have achieved great things during 2020
"So many family members, friends, and people online who have followed Daisy’s fundraiser nominated her for and we’re so grateful.
"For her to stand alongside Capt Tom Moore, Joe wicks and all the other inspirational squad members is overwhelming and a real honour.
"Later this year the whole Lionhearts squad are being invited along to an England game (as long as fans are allowed back) which will be a dream for her."
Daisy had her first operation at 17 hours old at St Georges Hospital.
She then caught suspected meningitis/sepsis at a few days old and spent her first 5 weeks of life in the St George’s neonatal wards.
While there she also had a shunt fitted at 4 weeks old due to her Hydrocephalus, a build-up of fluid in her brain.
"Daisy has had two further brain surgeries and three other surgeries but remains the happiest little girl in the world," said Rea.
"Her disability can’t hold her back."
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