**Nine-Year-Old Girl with Muscular Dystrophy Steals the Show at Bristol Fashion Show**
Carmela Chillery-Watson, a nine-year-old girl with LMNA congenital muscular dystrophy, took the runway at Bristol Fashion Show and left the audience in awe with her determination and spirit. Despite her progressive muscle-wasting condition, Carmela used a frame to walk the runway and described the experience as “exhilarating”.
Carmela has been a familiar face at the fashion show since the age of five, showcasing her resilience and passion for fashion runway modelling. Speaking to the PA news agency after the show, she expressed her love for the experience and the highlight of the evening – wearing a pair of “gorgeous” dungarees adorned with smiley faces.
Her mother, Lucy Chillery-Watson, described the atmosphere at the show as “lovely” and expressed how Carmela was lapping up the cheering as she confidently walked down the catwalk. The audience was buzzing with color, noise, and cheering, creating a supportive and uplifting environment for Carmela to shine.
In addition to her runway appearances, Carmela has been actively participating in fundraising challenges for Muscular Dystrophy UK, the leading charity for the condition. A portion of the ticket sales from the show will be donated to Cure4Carmela, a Muscular Dystrophy UK Family Fund that raises donations to fund research into muscle-wasting and weakening conditions.
Since her diagnosis in 2017 at the age of three, Carmela and her family have been dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the charity, supporting over 110,000 people in the UK living with one of the 60 types of muscular dystrophy. Their efforts have raised more than £400,000 for the charity, and Carmela was honored with a BCyA (British Citizen Youth Award) Medal of Honour in October for her positive impact on her community and wider society.
Looking to the future, Carmela expressed her desire to continue pursuing fashion runway modelling, stating, “I would love to do millions more.”
To find out more about Carmela’s inspiring journey and support the cause, visit the Cure4Carmela website at musculardystrophyuk.org/get-involved/family-funds/funds/carmela.
Carmela’s story is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and the unwavering support of her family and community. Her presence on the runway not only defied the limitations of her condition but also served as an inspiration to all those facing similar challenges.