Brave Lucy Barrett has a complex heart condition and has a pacemaker fitted – but that hasn’t stopped her from joining martial arts classes.
The plucky 10-year-old youngster from Berrow has been presented with an award to recognise her amazing perseverance.
At the UK’s first ever awards for martial artists with disabilities, called ‘The Fighting Spirit Awards’, Lucy received a trophy to recognise how she has overcome an extraordinary challenge.
Emma, Lucy’s mum, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “The night was very emotional with lots of amazing stories. Lucy got the first award of the night.”
“I’m so proud of her – it’s all thanks to her instructor Craig Bissett and the support he’s given her in gaining confidence to do martial arts.”
Craig said: “Her martial arts journey has been hugely inspiring to me as her instructor. Since she started with us, she has found everything a complete struggle as things like exercises, sit-ups and press-ups are very difficult for her, but we have adapted to include her.”
“Lucy never used to join in with our ninja games like dodge ball – she was worried the ball would hit the large scar on her chest from the surgery she had when she was very young – but now she joins in.”
“She is going for her fourth grading this month and has worked so so hard towards it and we have started working towards her being promoted to our Black Belt Club. She is developing her skills and building her confidence more with every lesson.”
“With her sister Ashleigh and my support, Lucy has turn into a brilliant little marrial artist! I know her mum, dad and Ash are super proud of her and, as her instructor, I couldn’t be prouder.”
