Dani Rowlinson

Dani is an inspirational teenager for showing such immense courage and determination in recovering from a very debilitating illness. Dani was 9 when she was diagnosed with OCD, an illness with devastating effects, causing an inability to control one's thoughts about everyday events, leaving acute feelings of anxiety, despair and paranoia. These irrational fears became crippling, leaving Dani unable to attend school for 5 months. Dani then developed anorexia, and spent 6 months in hospital. Dani was absolutely determined to recover, showing amazing inner strength and courage to get better. Today Dani is healthy and fit, has a Sports Scholarship at School and is the U13 Cross Country County Champion. Dani's ambition is to run 1500m in the 2020 Olympic Games. Dani is a positive role model for other youngsters and families suffering from an illness, which requires a much greater awareness throughout the United Kingdom and beyond.