ladbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Teenager With Excruciating Skin Condition Wins Pride Of Britain Award

Teenager With Excruciating Skin Condition Wins Pride Of Britain Award

Judges chose him for one of the most prestigious awards in the UK for his charisma and his uplifting, positive attitude

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Every day, Moin Younis goes through an enormous amount of pain due to a condition he was born with. The 17-year-old has lived his entire life with a rare disorder known as Epidermolysis Bullosa, which means his skin easily tears and blisters. Doctors said he wouldn't live past his first birthday and yet he's gone on to defy all their expectations.

He hasn't let his condition hold him back completely, as he's taken on the role of Young Ambassador at children's hospice Acorns - where he helps the facilities give the best care possible as well as promote it on social media.

Due to his resounding strength, he's won the Teenager of Courage category at the Pride of Britain Awards.

Moin Younis
Moin Younis

Credit: PA

The judges said: "Moin lives with an incredibly painful condition and one with no cure, but he is so charismatic and has such an uplifting, positive attitude, he ends up inspiring everyone around him."

While winning an award of this magnitude is pretty special, it didn't compare to the surprise that came after the ceremony. The 17-year-old got to meet one of his idols, David Beckham, after the football legend heard he was a massive fan of club Aston Villa. Younis was clearly blown award, telling the former star player: "Oh gosh, that's just amazing. I can't believe it. This is the best day of my whole life. Growing up and watching you has just been amazing. I can't get my hair as good as you."

To better understand his condition, Moin explains that the feeling of cutting or burning yourself is how he feels all over his body. He wears bandages on different parts of his skin and has to replace them every day; which can sometimes take up to six hours to remove and apply new ones.

Acorn's Head of Care in Birmingham says: "He's one of a kind. The challenges he faces every day are immense and I don't know how he does it, how he carries on and maintains that funny and cheeky manner that we all love.

"Once you've met Moin you don't forget him.

Moin Younis
Moin Younis

Credit: PA

"He takes on life with incredible courage and guts and he's incredibly frank and open about his struggles."

The Pride of Britain Award is another nod to add to the shelf this year after Younis won the Pride of Birmingham Award.

The teen's speech got a standing ovation after he told the crowd: "A lot of people take life for granted. While I am here I want to get the message out to people to enjoy life. Please, please get the most out of your life and make the most of what you have."

The Manchester medics who helped patients in the wake of the devastating bombing earlier this year received a special recognition, as did the Grenfell community for their work following the tower fire which claimed more than 60 lives.

Three police officers, Wayne Marques, Charlie Guenigault and Keith Palmer, were also named for the Outstanding Bravery Award for taking down terrorists during the Westminster and London Bridge attacks.

PC Keith Palmer was fatally wounded in the March 22 attack while Marques and Guenigault both suffered serious injuries in the incident in June.

For a full list of the winners, head here.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: UK News, News, Inspiring, Inspirational, Teenager