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Freya LewisWhen Freya was 14 she was seriously injured in the Manchester Arena Attack and lost her best friend, Nell. She spent weeks in hospital where she underwent multiple operations on her 29 separate injuries. Immediately after the attack she started raising money for The Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, the hospital that saved her life. She has also raised money for the residential house that took care of her family while she was in hospital - Ronald McDonald House. To date she has raised almost £70,000 for the hospital, and will continue to fund raise for the rest of her life. Since then she has become ambassador to the High Sheriff of Manchester, has won an award an NHS Heroes Award and was the Amplifon Brave Briton Young Hero winner in 2018.
She is currently balancing her A level studies with speaking at events about her experiences, and what she has learnt about courage and compassion since the event that changed her life. Her highly acclaimed book What Makes You Stronger was published in 2020 by Orion, with the paperback forthcoming in 2021. Follow Freya on instagram Visit Freya's website |
'Incredible...I was in awe of Freya’s strength, wise beyond her years and full of wisdom.' Katie Piper on Extraordinary People podcast
'A love letter to the NHS' Lorraine Kelly
'A poignant story of courage and pain but, most of all, it is a striking testament to friendship.' Daily Express
'A candid account of the terrorist attack and the effect it has had on her life.' The i
'An unflinching story of grief, survival and love' YOU Magazine
'One of the most defiant, courageous and uplifting reads from a young woman who the world could learn so much from. Rather than allow what happened and the tragic loss of her friend to consume her, she’s chosen to live life to the fullest and not let hate win.' tbhonest blog
'A love letter to the NHS' Lorraine Kelly
'A poignant story of courage and pain but, most of all, it is a striking testament to friendship.' Daily Express
'A candid account of the terrorist attack and the effect it has had on her life.' The i
'An unflinching story of grief, survival and love' YOU Magazine
'One of the most defiant, courageous and uplifting reads from a young woman who the world could learn so much from. Rather than allow what happened and the tragic loss of her friend to consume her, she’s chosen to live life to the fullest and not let hate win.' tbhonest blog
Speaking Events - feedback
'Freya had a huge impact on everybody and the feedback was amazing. The young people were chatting about Freya all night and I was continually approached with positive comments and questions about her. There was also requests to forward feedback to Freya and lots of questions about her book. Please wish Freya all the very best for her future and let her know just how much her talk touched everyone there. She is such an inspiration to us all and I feel very privileged to have met you all.' Salford Youth Service Event, March 2020.
'I just wanted to say that I’ve heard SO many BRILLIANT comments about your talk Freya at the Institute of Fundraising conference in Chester last week. Three of my team were there (gutted that I couldn’t go) and were bowled over by how good you were. Someone at another charity raved about you to a colleague and I’ve just had someone I’ve only spoken to once before phone me up to say how wonderful you were. She’s also pre-ordered your book and said you are a wonderful role model – which of course you are.
You don’t need me to say well done – but well done! To have so many people talking about your speech shows how great it was and inspirational you are. We’re forever grateful that you talk about your fundraising for us so eloquently, so honestly and so impassioned.'
Institute of Fundraising Conference
'Then came most touching speech I have ever heard. It was a talk by a young teenager called Freya Lewis. She spoke so eloquently and not a sight of nerves. She is a true hero, an inspiration to us all.' Oxley Adult Learning Disability blog, on the NHS 70th celebrations at Westminster Abbey
'Inspirational...Freya is an ongoing motivation to young people with her ‘can-do’ attitude, humility and gratitude. Since then we have been inundated with compliments about the way Freya presented herself.' Mrs Judy Nairn, headmistress of Bridgewater School, Worsley at their 'Positivity of Youth' prize-giving ceremony
'The audience listened in silence and were clearly in awe of her bravery and determination. Her speech was inspiring and showed her remarkable strength and courage which mesmerised both students and staff attending. There was not a dry eye in the hall.' Headteacher Denis Oliver, Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School