00:00Achievement. Next up is the Achievement Award to announce the winner. Please welcome Councillor Sue Mullins,
00:06Cabinet Member for Community Engagement and Culture.
00:09I say first of all I feel absolutely privileged to stand on this stage yet again, this is not my first time,
00:16but once again it's an absolute privilege to say well done, thank you to all our fabulous volunteers
00:23who are the glue that hold Crawley together. Without you Crawley is nothing.
00:28So well done to every single person you see.
00:38And the winner tonight for the Achievement Award is Poppy May.
00:44Poppy's life took a devastating turn. Losing all sensation from the waist down and becoming a wheelchair user,
00:50the confusion, fear and heartbreak of those days still linger in her memory, magnified by the helplessness of those around her.
00:58Poppy's world fell apart. Depression consumed this young lady for years, leaving her feeling lost and broken.
01:04In October 2019, Poppy entered a residential rehabilitation unit for a 12 week treatment plan.
01:10What followed was a very dark period, yet deep inside her a spark of hope refused to be extinguished.
01:17That spark led to a turning point. In January 2023, Poppy's mental health began to shift and by May 2023, she completed her first 10K at the Gatwick Run in her day wheelchair.
01:29Poppy has now completed 18 races in her wheelchair, 10K, half K marathons and full marathons, raising funds for her favourite charities, Mind and Outreach.
01:39To meet back, Poppy's journey is one of heartbreak, resilience and triumph.
01:43It's a testament to the power of community, determination and the human spirit.
01:47Poppy has learnt one vital truth, she doesn't give up.
01:51Give up. Please give it up for Poppy.
02:09So, it's been a heck of a time for you.
02:13Starting over is one of the hardest things to do.
02:17Where did your courage and determination come from, do you think?
02:21So, after I became disabled, I had a very bad mental health.
02:27I tried taking my life over, I think it's about 200 times, many close calls.
02:33I actually lost my life and was brought back to life.
02:37And I think after such a long period of time of constantly being sectioned and, you know, always in and out of mental health hospitals,
02:45I wanted to finally actually start living my life rather than surviving it.
02:53If that wasn't inspiring, I don't know what will.
02:57What are your plans for the rest of 2025 and beyond?
03:02So, I post content videos around fitness.
03:07And a few weeks ago, I got contacted by a coach from Team GB for the Paralympics.
03:15And so, I've started training for para powerlifting for Team GB.
03:25I think I weigh about 15 stone, can you see if you can get me above your head?
03:30No.
03:31Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, Poppy May.
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