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A seven-year-old meningitis survivor from Cefn Fforest who has raised nearly £10,000 for charity has been nominated for a national award.

Noa-Rose Alderman is a finalist in the Young Hero category at the 2026 BBC Make a Difference Awards in Wales.

She has campaigned and fundraised for the charity Meningitis Now after surviving the illness.

Her mother, Emma, said the family’s total fundraising is now approaching the £10,000 mark.

This includes £6,000 from Noa-Rose’s climb up Pen y Fan earlier this year, where 42 people joined her on the mountain.

Her father also climbed Mont Blanc in 2024, raising more than £2,500. Further funds were raised through a children’s Halloween party and a breakfast with elves event.

Emma said her daughter speaks openly about her illness to ensure other people do not go through the same experience.

Noa-Rose was diagnosed with type B meningitis when she was four-years-old.

She spent several weeks in hospital and continues to live with long-term effects from the disease.

During her recovery, she was diagnosed with epilepsy and tics. These conditions disrupt her brain’s electrical patterns, affecting her sleep, learning and behaviour.

Meningitis Now has supported the family since Noa-Rose was discharged. The charity provides practical, emotional and financial help to those affected by the illness.

Noa-Rose, who turns eight in December, is continuing her fundraising efforts locally.

She recently ran a stall at a car boot sale where she handed out cards detailing the symptoms of meningitis, collecting £35 in donations.

She is also taking part in a charity car wash with South Wales Fire and Rescue Service at Aberbargoed fire station on July 18.

The BBC awards ceremony will take place in Cardiff on September 19.

Emma said Noa-Rose is already looking forward to the event.

“She can’t wait to have her hair done, she can’t wait to have a nice dress, so I think she’s going for the full red carpet look,” she said.