An inspirational Southport schoolgirl who lost both legs and her right arm after a sudden illness has enjoyed “the most magical experience” as she swam with dolphins, visited theme parks and made new friends in Florida.
Penelope Vidal-Walsh, 11, was taken on the 10-day holiday thanks to Dreamflight, which takes children with significant health conditions or disability on trips of a lifetime, and giving them something that lasts far longer – new confidence, hope, and a belief in what’s possible
Penelope was given a standing ovation when she was presented with her Sefton Child Of Courage Award by Stephen Grayson from Cooper Parry accountants at the Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards at The Grand in Southport in April.
At the awards the Stanley High School pupil was accompanied by family members including her proud parents Elizabeth Walsh and Ricardo Vidal, who said: “Penelope, you show us every day your strength, dedication, and resilience. I know you are going to achieve all your dreams and goals.”
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A year and a half after nearly losing her life, Penelope has been impressing everyone around her. She has been learning to write again with her left hand, went back to school at Larkfield Primary School in Southport and is doing well with her rehabilitation.
Penelope had gone to bed as normal on 10th April last year, but the next day she had deteriorated so quickly she was sedated and in intensive care.
She battled Meningococcal Septicaemia and several other infections during a seven month period in Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.
This led to her having a triple amputation of both her legs and right arm as well as countless skin grafts over her body meaning she was in and out of theatre over 40 times.
Her holiday from Dreamflight was a dream trip designed to give her some very special memories.
Her Mum, Elizabeth Walsh, said: “We are beyond grateful to Dreamflight for gifting Penelope the most magical experience anyone could ever dream of.
“Penelope had the incredible opportunity to go to Florida and experience 10 fun filled days of visiting theme-parks, swimming with dolphins, making new friends, and so much more.
“We missed her more than anything, but knowing she was creating such wonderful memories and being in the company of incredible people, has made us so happy and proud of how much she has accomplished.
“It’s been more than a holiday for her, coming back more independent and driven, and seeing her happy again, we have no words to express how grateful we are.
“She’s our warrior, and we’re just in awe of how much she achieved on her trip.
“Seeing her smile and laugh, it’s just amazing we wanted to share this moment with anyone and everyone who’s asked how she’s been doing.”
Speaking earlier this year, Elizabeth Walsh and Ricardo Vidal said: “What an amazing night at the Pride of Sefton Awards.
“We had such a lovely night celebrating Penelope on her award for Sefton Child Of Courage.
“She shared her award with three other amazing children who have shown determination, courage, and bravery.
“The Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards showed just how important community and support is, and it was a privilege to be in a room filled with so many incredible and inspiring people who really do go above and beyond to help others.
“Penelope, you show us every day your strength, dedication, and resilience. I know you are going to achieve all your dreams and goals.
“To all the incredible people who organise this event, you made my Penelope feel so special, thank you for giving us an opportunity to celebrate all the incredible things our community does.
“Our hearts will forever be filled with gratitude and love for the incredible people at Ormskirk Hospital A&E and Alder Hey Hospital, they saved the most important and precious person to us, thankfulness doesn’t feel powerful enough to do justice to them all.
“Not only did we witness the worst, but we also witnessed her strength, resilience, and courage.
“We were always left in awe of how much determination and strength she showed throughout her battle of fighting the meningococcal, sepsis, and in her recovery.
“To have watched since her discharge from hospital, how she has adapted back to her life, and how she has learned to adjust to her new way of living, has been extraordinary to witness.
“Hearing her laughter at her birthday party with her friends, watching her excitement at Christmas, and to every single conversation we’ve been lucky to have with her about her school life and friendships. It has never left us just how lucky we are to be able to experience these moments.
“Every prayer, every thought, and every single shred of hope that we clung to during those most difficult days will never leave us.
“Grateful beyond words that we got through this, thankful to be on this journey with her, as she enters new chapters of her life.”
The 2026 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards celebrated selfless, talented and courageous people across 13 categories at The Grand in Southport on 24th April 2026.
The Main Award was won by Queenscourt Hospice founder Dr Karen Groves MBE.
The evening was hosted by former Sky Sports News presenter Fraser Dainton with VIP guests including HM Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside Peter Oliver OBE and Mayor of Sefton Cllr Burns.
For more details about Dreamflight please visit: Dreamflight
To nominate someone for the Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards please visit: Pride Of Sefton Awards
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