Carmela meeting prince William

Carmela Chillery-Watson

Age: 12
Home country: UK
Special skill: Helping others!

Hi there, my name is Carmela and I’m the world’s youngest Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE)! The British royal family award MBEs to people who have done incredible and inspiring things. I just love helping others!

*Image credit: PA Images / Alamy

Carmela as wonderwoman

How it all started…

When I was 4 years old!

That’s when I was diagnosed with a rare progressive muscle-wasting condition called LMNA-related congenital muscular dystrophy (L-CMD).

Finding out I had this condition, of course, wasn’t easy, but I’ve learned to focus on the positives.

Also hydrotherapy, physiotherapy and gentle exercise really help!

The good news is that this is what truly inspired me to increase awareness of my disability and do everything I can to help others like me and make the world a better place for us all!

And that’s how my record-breaking journey started…

Carmela at race

Raising money for good causes

In 2020, when I was 6 years old, I dressed up as Wonder Woman and trekked more than 300 km (186 mi) in 30 days!

I covered about 10 km (6 mi) per day, walking the first mile and completing the remainder in my wheelchair.

It was so much fun!

I found the challenge difficult, but I was so determined to help others I wanted to complete it.

Since then, I’ve done lots of fundraising projects...

But so far, my favourite is the Jurassic Coast walk because we got to see all the beautiful scenery [in Dorset, UK].

To date, I have raised about £500,000 ($670,000) for Muscular Dystrophy UK, which funds research and supports around 110,000 people living with the condition!

*Image credit: John Phillips/Getty Images for Superhero Series, powered by Marvel

Don’t focus on the bad things. Think of what you can do and live your life to the fullest.

Carmela Chillery-Watson

Carmela with medal

Becoming an MBE and record breaker

Becoming the youngest recipient of an MBE was absolutely incredible. I was staring at the award in shock, and knowing it [was] from royalty [took it to] another level.

That day at Windsor Castle when I received my MBE medal, I was nervous at first, but seeing the castle was so outstanding I forgot I was nervous.

Then, I met Prince William and he was so nice to talk to. Inside the castle was so, so beautiful!

And then of course, finding out I had broken a world record…

Just wow! I was so excited to see Guinness World Records contact us. I was jumping up and down with joy!

*Image credit: Andrew Matthews - Pool/Getty Images

Carmela at catwalk

More fun facts about me

Strutting down a catwalk had always been my dream, and in 2023 I made it happen at Bristol Fashion Week…

So I guess you could say I’m a model, ha!

But when I think about my dream job, I think I’ve have always loved art and I would like to be a graphic designer.

And of course, I want to keep doing more fundraising projects and helping charities and people in any way I can!

*Image credit: PA Images / Alamy