Seventeen-year-old Luke Fisher was named 'Inspirational Young Person' at the 2021 WellChild Awards in the 15 to 18-year-old category.

The Ysgol Y Deri pupil, who has schizencephaly, was recognised for his dedication, attendance, and positive attitude throughout the pandemic. Schizencephaly is a rare condition causing damage to the brain resulting in profound physical disabilities and health conditions.

Luke is immobile and largely dependent on others. He has undergone many operations, but his spirit has never dwindled.

He was nominated by nurse Claire Gamble, who said: "Despite physical limitations, Luke does not allow his condition to hold him back.

"Luke is an inspirational young man with a wicked sense of humour. Luke always brightens up the day with his amazing smile and contagious laugh."

The awards ceremony, held last week in Kew Gardens, was a star-studded affair attended by Ed Sheeran, Ronnie Wood, Anne-Marie and WellChild patron Prince Harry.

The Duke of Sussex spoke with Luke and his family (who are from Llantwit Major) for over fifteen minutes. Luke's cheekiness was on full display.

"Because he went to other tables first, Luke told him he was lucky he hadn't died waiting," Luke's mother Lowis Fisher tells Nub News. "Then he asked if his granny (the Queen) was dead yet, just taking the mick.

"We were all really impressed with him. He was really, really nice, doing impressions of his kids and that sort of thing. He spoke to everybody and it didn't come across as him being forced to do it. He asked a lot about mental health and what he could do as well, so that was really nice."

In what Lowis describes as the "craziest and most surreal thing ever", Luke also spoke with Ed Sheeran about grime music and met Ronnie Wood. She says being invited to the event and receiving the award means a lot to the family.

"I am very proud. Obviously I'm proud of him all the time, but when he gets recognition from other people, I feel he really does deserve it.

"He doesn't ask for much, he's not a child who wants possessions, so someone recognising him like this is just amazing."

The WellChild Awards, in association with GSK, celebrates the inspirational qualities of the UK's seriously ill children and young people, along with those who go that extra mile to make a difference to their lives.

Ysgol Y Deri is a special school which caters for students aged 3-19 yrs with a range of learning and physical needs and autism. It was the subject of the 2020 BBC One documentary 'A Special School', in which Luke featured heavily.